By Emily Garland
Enterprise writer
Public safety is high on the list of police duties, but before protecting others, officers must first protect themselves.
Police officers in 10 communities in the area will be better equipped to do just that thanks to the more than $47,000 in grants they will collectively receive from the Department of Justice this year to aid in the purchase of bulletproof vests.
U.S. Rep. Jay Inslee, D-Bainbridge Island, announced on June 27 the renewal of this federal funding, which was passed by Congress in 2000.
“Our law enforcement officers deserve the highest respect for serving our communities with valor and determination,” Inslee said in a written statement. “We also owe these officers the best safety equipment possible, and the funds will help to achieve that goal.”
The funds Inslee spoke of were established to benefit all municipalities, but communities with less than 100,000 residents are given priority because they receive less federal funding and have tighter budgets. Fifty percent of the cost of the vests must be matched by the police department.
The Edmonds Police Department will be reimbursed $5,107 to cover half the cost of 19 vests, some purchased in 2002 and some in 2003. Police Chief David Stern said the new vests will replace older vests which have overrun their five-year life.
“When (the vests) hit the end of their useful life we turn over and get new ones,” Stern said. “We happen to be fortunate enough that the federal government has a grant program and we can take advantage of it.”
The Edmonds Police Department is responsible for providing updated vests for all 53 of their commissioned officers, Stern said.
This is the second year the department has participated in the federal grant program and Stern said it will continue participation for as long as the program exists.
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