FSA Members, Donors Contribute Towards 112 Bulletproof Vests
The Florida Sheriffs Association is grateful for our members and donors for their generous response to FSA’s Bulletproof Vest Grant Program fundraiser launched October 20. To date, we’ve raised more than $84,200 – enough to purchase 112 vests for deputies in fiscally constrained counties.
The purpose of FSA’s Bulletproof Vest Grant Program is to fund the purchases of bulletproof vests for fiscally constrained sheriffs’ offices that may have difficulty in securing funding for such crucial protection. The grant covers vests for deputies, SWAT members and correctional officers as well as K-9s. A bulletproof vest can range in price from $550 to $1,300 depending on the level of protection and additional pieces. The average price for one vest is $750 to $800.
During the 2019-2020 fiscal year, FSA awarded 18 sheriff offices with just over $280,000, which assisted in buying about 350 bulletproof vests. A vest issued in April 2020 through this grant saved the life of a Highlands County Sheriff’s Office deputy on September 25, 2020.
This year, FSA seeks to award at least $180,000 to purchase approximately 238 vests – and, thanks to our supporters – we’re nearly halfway there. Donations to FSA’s Bulletproof Vest Grant Program supplement the reserves set aside for these grant awards.
FSA greatly appreciates our members’ commitment to protecting the lives of Florida’s sheriffs and deputies as they keep our state safe, and we’re proud our members personally took part in our efforts to provide these lifesaving vests.
Online contributions to the Bulletproof Vest Grant and other FSA programs can be submitted at www.flsheriffs.org/donate to receive an instant confirmation. Alternative gift methods and requests for program details can be obtained by submitting an online inquiry to the membership department.