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Sánchez Announces Over $6,100 for Bulletproof Vests in South Gate

July 16, 2003
South Gate -- Working to promote community public safety, and the safety of South Gate law enforcement officers, Congresswoman Linda Sánchez (39-CA) today announced that the South Gate Police Department will receive $6,146 from the U.S. Department of Justice Bulletproof Vest Partnership Program. The partnership program provides up to 50% funding for the purchase of bulletproof vests.

Congresswoman Sánchez is a sponsor of legislation that provides funding for the Federal Bulletproof Vest Grant Program.

“I am delighted to announce that South Gate has received this funding from the Bulletproof Vest Partnership Program. This grant will allow the Police Department to purchase approximately 30 new vests,” said Congresswoman Linda Sánchez.

Sánchez discussed the need for additional federal funding to purchase bulletproof vests when she visited the South Gate Police Department in April.

“These vests will help ensure the safety of the men and women who keep our neighborhoods and communities safe,” said Congresswoman Linda Sánchez.

Nationwide the lives of more than 2,000 officers have been saved because of bulletproof vests. On average, one law enforcement officer is killed somewhere in America nearly every other day. More than 65,000 are assaulted each year and about 23,000 are injured. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the risk of fatality from a firearm to officers not wearing body armor is 14 times greater than for officers wearing body armor.