MIKULSKI AND SARBANES ANNOUNCE FEDERAL FUNDS FOR BULLETPROOF VESTS
Over $1,500 Will Go To Law Enforcement Agencies in Southern Maryland
Washington, D.C. – Senators Barbara A. Mikulski (D-MD) and Paul S. Sarbanes (D-MD) today announced that law enforcement agencies in Southern Maryland will receive over $1,543 for the purchase of bullet-resistant vests. The grants are awarded by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Bulletproof Vest Partnership Program.
“We need to protect our protectors,” said Senator Mikulski. “We need to make sure our men and women in uniform have the best equipment and safety gear so they can do their jobs. I will continue to fight to make sure people on the front lines protecting our families and communities have the resources they need to keep us safe.”
"There is a pressing need to ensure that our local communities have resources necessary to combat crime and ensure the safety of our citizens," said Sarbanes. “These federal funds will help to protect those who protect our communities.”
Two law enforcement agencies in Southern Maryland will receive federal funds to purchase 13 vests:
· Calvert County $831 (7 vests)
· St. Mary’s County $712 (6 vests)
The Bulletproof Vest Partnership Program awards grants to law enforcement agencies in all 50 states, but smaller jurisdictions receive priority. The grants require recipients to match at least 50 percent of the cost of each vest. Over 6,500 applications were received this year and over $149,000 has been awarded to jurisdictions throughout Maryland.
Senator Mikulski serves on the Commerce, Justice, State and Judiciary Appropriations Subcommittee, which funds the Justice Department, and this grant program. Senator Sarbanes is a member of the Senate Budget Committee.