Video: Law Enforcement Officers Get Free Bullet Proof Vests

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TUPELO, MISS. (WCBI) – Law officers from sixteen agencies across our area will soon have what could be a life saving gift.
The officers are getting new bullet proof vests.

In his 21 years as a law enforcement officer, Terry Westbrook has never had a new bullet proof vest.

“Our department sometimes is limited on a budget,” Officer Westbrook said.

The Shannon Police Department won’t have to pay for Officer Westbrook’s new vest, the cost is being covered by a group of police officers’ spouses, called “Wives of Warriors. ”

“We raised enough money at our Blessed Are The Peacemakers race in September, that everyone helped us with to buy 16 bullet proof vests, so we have 16 different departments coming today, sending one representative to be fitted for the bullet proof vest to be given away,” said Wives Of Warriors Founder Kim Rushing.

The 5k raised more than 16 thousand dollars. Terry Dahlem, of Mid South Supply and Uniform drove several hours to get measurements for the vests.

“It’s a great opportunity to supply these body armor, it’s a tool out there today that almost must be worn,” Dahlem said.

Officers say it’s encouraging to work in an area where those who protect and serve are appreciated.

“I’m really excited , I think they have done a great effort, Wives of Warriors program, anything that helps a police officer get home safely at night is greatly appreciated,” said Officer Brandon Slack of the Burnsville Police Department.

“Everybody around here is pretty much pro police, pro second amendment, we don’t really have what you see over in the big cities and I’m grateful for that,” said Mantachie Police Officer Jordan Mann.

“I’d like to say thanks to the organization, appreciate it from law enforcement they provide for us, because police officers lives matter too,” Officer Westbrook said.

The next “Blessed are the Peacemakers” 5k is set for September 24th at Fairpark.