Politics & Government

Local Police to Purchase Bulletproof Vests with Help from Federal Grant

Leetsdale, Sewickley Heights and Ohio Township police receive grant money through the U.S. Department of Justice's Bulletproof Vest Partnership program.

, and are among 315 police jurisdictions in the state that received grants through the U.S. Department of Justice’s 2011 Bulletproof Vest Partnership program, U.S. Rep Jason Altmire, D-McCandless, announced Wednesday.

The federal grants reimburse the departments for a portion of the cost to help local law enforcement purchase bulletproof vests.

Chief Herb Ford said the grant money would provide the department with a 50-percent match on the cost of three vests.

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Sewickley Heights was granted $1,125 in funds. Ford said he is pleased the funding will help pay for a portion of the costs because bulletproof vests only last five years. 

"That’s pretty much the life span on a bulletproof vest. They usually get replaced every five years," Ford said.

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"You never know when you're going to need them," Ford added.

Also locally, Ohio Township Police, whose coverage includes Aleppo and Sewickley Hills, received $2,625 for seven vests. And Police received $1,962.50 for five vests.

Leetsdale Police Chief James Santucci, who applied for the grant, said the money will replace the expiring vests that officers now wear.

"It couldn't have come at a better time," he said.

Santucci said the department still has to get fitted for the vests, which typically run about $850 to $1,000, but will cost Leetsdale a reduced rate of about $800 each thanks to a piggyback federal program.

"I am extremely excited because I've been putting in for a lot of grants lately and it's nice to see one come to fruition," Santucci said.

Nearby Ambridge received $2,590 for seven vests.

Altmire said in a statement that the bulletproof vest program is "one of the most critical resources we can give to local law enforcement.” 

“Many communities, including these in Western Pennsylvania, can’t afford to provide police officers with these life-saving vests, so support from the federal government is crucial," Altmire said. "As local law enforcement continues to battle crime, I will continue to work with them to ensure they have access to every available resource to protect themselves and our communities.”

The Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Act of 1998 has provided about 800,000 vests to more than 13,000 police jurisdictions across the country. A complete list of award recipients is attached to this report. 

This story was updated at 4 p.m. Oct. 27.


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