Christmas came early for law enforcement officers in Red River County as they were presented with brand new level 3 vests today.
“The Lamar County Adopt A Cop board is so very happy to know these officers will be better protected thanks to the generous donation from Mr. Christopher Westfall and the fundraising bake sale held by Mrs. Ronni Gibbs,” said the president of the Lamar County Adopt-A-Cop Amanda Willows.
In November, Westfall donated $10,000 to buy the vests after seeing an interview on NBC 6.
“Hearing from Sgt. Roden in the news story about the plight of the monetary situation in Red River County, which I found shocking, I knew there was a way we can help,” said Westfall.
Westfall, who is a former Sergeant out of Volusia County for 10-years, said he knows the job all too well.
“Our clients (seniors) are always telling us how sad it is that law enforcement officers, today, do not get the kind of respect and help they need from the public, anymore. It is true, and I think we all can do more.”
Since retiring, Westfall now owns a nationwide Medicare Insurance Agency (Senior Savings Network).
The donated was able to provide 22 vests to officers with the Red River County Sheriff’s Office and the Clarksville Police Department.
“Our officers are very grateful and it’s a good feeling to know there are people who care about us and our protection while were protecting others,” said Sgt. Roden.
Sgt. Roden said that most of the vests that officers wear in Red River County were expired.
Body Armor News explains on their website, that the majority of the United States’ body armor has a standard National Institute of Justice five-year service rating. When a vest is worn each day, it loses the protective capability quicker than one that sits on a shelf.
“We have more safety equipment to purchase for officers in Red River County but wanted to make sure they had the vests first,” added Willows.
