Tuesday, August 08, 2000
Grants help buy police vests
More than $70,000 in funds allocated to 10 departments
By Patrick Crowley
The Cincinnati Enquirer
FLORENCE — Ten Northern Kentucky police departments have received more than $70,000 in federal funds to pay for bulletproof vets.
The funding was announced Monday at the Florence Government Center by U.S. Rep. Ken Lucas, a Boone County Democrat who represents the 4th Congressional District.
The money came from the Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant of 2000, which Mr. Lucas co-sponsored.
The money will used to reim burse local departments for vests bought last year and to buy more vests this year. The vests cost about $300 to more than $500 apiece.
The local departments must pay half, which the other half coming through the grant money, Mr. Lucas said.
“This is certainly a benefit not only to the police department but also to the taxpayers ... in an era of shrinking budgets and increasing needs,” said Fort Thomas Police Chief Steve Schmidt.
“This is a big help to us. Anything that can help protect police officers and cut costs to our citi zens has to be a good thing.”
The departments receiving the grants and the number of vests purchased are:
Boone County, 30.
• Campbell County, 18.
• Crescent Springs, 9.
• Florence, 14.
• Fort Mitchell, 13.
• Fort Thomas, 22.
• Fort Wright, 7.
• Newport, 86
• Villa Hills, 7
• Pendleton County, 5.
Law enforcement officials who attended the grant announcement said the money will allow them to replace outdated and worn vests.
“We had about 14 vests that were at least eight to 10 years old,” said Keith Hill, assistant chief of the Campbell County Police Department.
“We were looking at probably in the area of $10,000 to replace those vests,” he said. “So for us we had almost $6,000 that we were able to save the county.”
“This is a very beneficial program to us because last year was the time period for replacing most of the vests that were issued to all the officers in the department,” said Lt. Howard Neimeier of the Newport Police Department.
City officials said the program allows them to spend local dollars on other law enforcement programs.
“We appreciate the availability of funding ... to the cities,” said Florence Mayor Diane Whalen. “It helps keeps our officers safe on the streets and provide an opportunity to spend funds on some other needed things.”
'Safe Place' aims to save infants
Festival controversy continues
Robbery suspect hails taxi, fails getaway
Jewish leaders say Lieberman optimistic choice
Tristate calls pick 'inspired'
Weekend parties serve conversation
Hackers taking advantage of Netscape hole
Butler Co.'s $35M+ jail project on track
CPS mulls levy request amount
More than money needed for tower
Reading program pays off
Snowden opponent quits post on panel
Survey finds support for CPS
Taxpayers kick in $250,000 for art at Bengals' stadium
Lazio taps Cincinnati funds for campaign
Man faces murder charge
Money will be returned to city
Scootering through summer
Six up for police top job
Teachers tapped for awards
Grants help buy police vests
Hidden weapon lawsuit revised
Mother wins Kenton Co. lawsuit
School bells ring for early start
Clooney's TV work victim of his success
Counting Crows, Live mesh well
Fort Wright loses power after crash
Get to it
Pig Parade: I Squeal. You Squeal. We All Squeal for Ice Cream.
Tristate digest
