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Massena Police Dept. getting bulletproof vests with Dept. of Justice funds

Posted 10/10/16

MASSENA -- The Massena Police Department will receive two of 13,005 bulletproof vests being paid for statewide through an $808,000 federal grant. The funding was allocated through the federal …

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Massena Police Dept. getting bulletproof vests with Dept. of Justice funds

Posted

MASSENA -- The Massena Police Department will receive two of 13,005 bulletproof vests being paid for statewide through an $808,000 federal grant.

The funding was allocated through the federal Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance Bulletproof Vest Partnership program to purchase new bullet proof vests for police officers. It would also provide reimbursement to state and local law enforcement agencies for purchase of bulletproof vests. New York City will receive 8,569 vests, Long Island will receive 1,477, the Capital Region will receive 232, Central New York will receive 418, the Southern Tier will receive 224, Rochester-Finger Lakes Region will receive 419, Mohawk Valley will receive 145, Western New York will receive 574, the Hudson Valley Region will receive 569, Westchester will receive 356 and the North Country will receive 22 vests, according to Sens. Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand.

“This massive federal investment will ensure that the men and women who put their lives on the line every day to keep our communities safe are equipped with the life-saving gear they need to protect themselves,” said Schumer. “With over 13,000 new bulletproof vests, officers and other law enforcement officials across New York can feel safer while they're out on the beat keeping our communities safe.”

“This federal funding for new vests is welcome news for New York’s police officers, who put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe,” said Gillibrand. “In a dangerous situation, a bulletproof vest might be the only barrier between life and death for an officer. We have to make sure our brave officers are using equipment that is up-to-date and effective. I was proud to fight for this funding and I will continue to support efforts in the Senate to protect our officers in the line of duty.”

The Office of Justice Assistance “aims to build stronger community relationships” by focusing on officer safety, wellness and resilience, active shooter response, officer safety and wellness program recognition, officer safety and wellness pilot research and evaluation model, and de-escalation training, according to a joint news release from the senators.