US awards $61,000 to Valley police to purchase 182 bulletproof vests

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan of Howland, D-13th, announced that Ohio’s 13th Congressional District has received $61,000 in federal funds to purchase 182 bulletproof vests.

The grant was made available through the U.S. Department of Justice’s Bullet Proof Vest Partnership Program.

“I’m proud this funding is coming back home and giving our law-enforcement officers the protection they need to continue safely serving our community,” Ryan said in a statement. “These men and women put their lives on the line day in and day out, and it is our responsibility to give them the equipment they need so that they can do their job safely.”

For fiscal year 2015, Youngstown police will receive $12,205 to purchase 30 vests. Police Chief Robin Lees said it was welcome relief because the department has weathered recent budget cuts.

“We always appreciate the congressman’s support for law enforcement, especially Youngstown,” he said.

The following are some other departments in the region receiving the funds:

Warren CITY: $5,648 for 20 vests.

Warren Township: $2,020 for six vests.

Austintown: $3,709 for 10 vests

Lordstown Village: $1,416 for four vests.

Weathersfield Township: $5,294 for 14 vests.

Fowler: $4,784 for 14 vests.

Windham Village: $2,115 for 10 vests.

Liberty: $3,123 for nine vests.

Champion : $2,489 for eight vests.

Bazetta: $1,936 for five vests.

Struthers: : $560 for two vests.