The Fountain Inn Police Department has been awarded a grant of $19,989 to enhance officer safety through the purchase of seventeen new body armor vests. This funding enables the department to acquire reliable body armor, reducing risks and ensuring the safety of officers on duty.
It is important to note that body armor typically has an expiration date of around five years. By acquiring new vests, the Fountain Inn Police Department ensures that officers have up-to-date and reliable protection, maximizing the effectiveness of their gear.
This funding comes from the South Carolina Department of Public Safety and functions to cover initial purchases or reimburse body armor purchases from July 1st, 2022, through December 31st, 2023.
The grant enables the department to acquire reliable body armor, reducing risks and ensuring the safety of officers on duty. Assistant Chief Melissa Woods emphasizes the importance of the grant, stating, "It allows us to be able to provide life-saving equipment for officers while reducing impact to the budget by securing external funding."