On November 21, Congressman Joe Morelle announced Brighton, Brockport, Gates, Greece, and Irondequoit Police Departments will receive federal dollars to help offset the cost of purchasing body armor. Named for the former U.S. Senator from Vermont, the Patrick Leahy Bulletproof Vest Partnership (BVP) Program awards were created in 1998 to help provide support to local police departments across the country.
“Local law enforcement works every day to keep our communities safe – it’s important they have access to every available resource and tool to do their jobs effectively,” said Congressman Joe Morelle. “I’m proud to announce these awards for five police departments in our region to help provide support and keep our officers secure. I look forward to continuing my work alongside our law enforcement officials to build a safer community for all.”
Chief Paul Wheat, Brockport Police Department, said: “The Brockport Police Department and residents of the Village are grateful for this funding that not only increases Officer safety but lessens the burden on our taxpayers.”
“Body armor is a must for law enforcement officers,” said Chief Robert Long, Town of Gates Police Department. “With the funds from the Patrick Leahy – BVP Grant it allows smaller police agencies with limited budget some assistance in replacing used and purchasing new vests.”
“The Town of Greece has been very fortunate to receive regular grant awards through the Patrick Leahy Bulletproof Vest Partnership for over 20 years,” said Chief Michael Wood, Town of Greece Police Department. “This funding stream goes directly towards the safety of our police officers and supports the Town’s efforts to maintain a regular replacement schedule for critical police equipment. We are very thankful to those in the Legislative and Executive branches of Federal government who made this possible many years ago, and to those who continue to ensure present day support for this important program.”
Created by the Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Act of 1998, the BVP Program, administered by the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), reimburses states, units of local government, and federally recognized Indian tribes for up to 50 percent of the cost of body armor vests purchased for law enforcement officers. Since 1999, more than 13,000 police jurisdictions have participated in the program, accounting for a total of $573 million in federal funds for the purchase of more than 1.5 million body armor vests.
For more information, visit https://bja.ojp.gov/program/patrick-leahy-bvp-program/overview.
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