FAIRFIELD – In fiscal year 2019, the Ohio Law Enforcement Body Armor Program, administered by the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, has awarded grants exceeding $3.5 million to 405 local law enforcement agencies statewide to purchase body armor vests. The program has been renewed for fiscal year 2020.
Funding for the program is provided by the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation as part of its Safety Intervention Grant Program. With a local match of 25 percent, agencies can receive up to $40,000 from the program. This interactive map locates the agencies that have received funding and the amounts awarded.
As of August 15,2019 seven Fairfield County Law Enforcement agencies in the county were able to apply for and receive grant funding totaling $41,041 to purchase Body Armor for Deputies and Employees.
The Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office has received, to date, $12,218 toward purchasing vests. This is a huge benefit at a time when budgets are tight.
“Ohio’s law enforcement officers face danger every day, which is why it is so important that we do all we can to support them,” said Governor DeWine. “Hundreds of law enforcement agencies have already taken advantage of this opportunity to outfit their officers with new safety gear, and I’m proud to increase our investment in this life-saving program so that we can help protect even more of our officers as they serve our communities.”
“Our local cops continue to protect us from danger day in and day out; now this support for them will continue as well,” said Attorney General Yost. “I’m proud to see that these grants are helping to protect officers in every corner of our state. It’s a meaningful way to show our profound thanks for all they do.”
More than 400 local law enforcement agencies have participated in the program since it was introduced in August 2018. Participating agencies can receive up to $40,000 to purchase body armor vests with a local match of 25%.
