Thirty-six bullet-proof vests for patrol officers will be donated to the Tucson Police Department in January, it was announced Tuesday.
Patrol officers will receive the replacement ballistic vests, which cost a total of $28,800, said Bonnie Faircloth, executive director of the Tucson Police Foundation.
The foundation is a non-profit charitable organization that is a fundraising arm for the department. It provides equipment, technology and training for officers.
The organization raises money through activities, grants and donations. It works in partnership with Diamondback Police Supply, which provides the foundation a discounted rate. The company is currently custom-fitting the vests for officers, said Faircloth.
Protective ballistic vests are not warranted by the manufacturer for more than five years, Faircloth said. The police department provides each officer with their initial vest.
The foundation began funding the replacement vests in 2011 for patrol officers โwhose job presents the highest safety risk,โ Faircloth said.
Since 2011, the foundation has provided more than 400 vests to officers, but โthe need is still great as there are more patrol officers who will meet the replacement criteria within the next six months,โ said Faircloth. She said fundraising for the vests is an ongoing effort.
Donations for the replacement vests program can be made online at www.tucsonpolicefoundation.org or by calling 207-2878.
