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VFW POST DONATES $15,000 FOR COPS'
TACTICAL
BALLISTIC VESTS -- But, is this the correct use
of
VFW funds when so many veterans are in need?
From left, Jacksonville Police
Chief Gary Sipes, VFW Post 4548 Commander Don Reynolds and
Jacksonville Mayor Tommy Swaim stand before a $15,000 check, which
was donated to cover the purchase of six new plate-reinforced
ballistic vests for the Jacksonville Police Department’s special
response team. (photo: Peg Kenyon) |
I really have to question this donation.
First... I support my local police. When
they need more funding, I vote for it... I don't drive recklessly... I
don't litter... I donate when they do fundraisers... and I don't carry my
22C into Court. What more could the local constabulary ask for?
But... I must, as a VFW member, question why this
Post is donating money to their local police force when their function is
to serve veterans (in theory).
I would like to ask the Commander of this VFW
Post: Are there any hungry veterans in your town? How about
unemployed vets that might need a hand? How about vets who are on
the edge of poverty as they wait for the VA to approve their claim?
None of those in your town, Commander?
OK. Then, go ahead and donate VFW money to
the police force.
Story here...
http://www.jacksonvillepatrio
t.com/articles/2009/01/09/jacksonville_
patriot/local_news/nws01.txt
Story below:
Your comments accepted at bottom of
page.
Share story/email link.
-------------------------
Jacksonville Police Department approached the halfway mark in funds to
purchase front-plate pocketed Protech Titan tactical ballistic vests for
its special response team, thanks to a hefty donation of $15,000 from the
Micheal W. Ray Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4548.
The donation was prompted in part by a deadly standoff in Foxwood on Aug.
25. A police officer was injured after being struck by a bullet during a
confrontation with a man who was holed up at a residence.
“After the standoff they [police] needed help buying vests for all their
SWAT team and we thought we’d start them out with this but they need
$30,000,” said Don Reynolds, the VFW Post commander, on Monday, Dec. 29,
at Jacksonville City Hall.
The Foxwood standoff, which lasted for about five hours as a barrage of
bullets pierced through a neighbor’s home and shattered car windows
including police vehicles, fell onto the shoulders of the special response
team.
A letter written by Sgt. Brett Hibbs, the special response team leader,
said members of that elite team faced down “an extremely violent and
deranged subject” who “actively fired an SKS assault rifle and a shotgun”
upon them.
Prior to the check presentation ceremony, Hibbs indicated that police
department is still in need of about $16,000 and this figure stems from
the 2008 quoted price tag to supply enough protective vests to cover the
12-member team. The price increase could run about $200 per vest in 2009,
he estimated.
“We’re still needing about $16,000 to complete the order,” Hibbs said.
“This will cover six vests.”
Hibbs said the other six unit members will “have normal body armor
 like
the same one our patrol officers have.” Hibbs also said that the new vests
would be equipped with a plate, which can stop bullets fired from a rifle.
At this time, the police department’s body armor cannot provide that
coverage. The new body armor would also protect the biceps, shoulders,
throat and groin as well as providing the ballistic plate for protection
against rifles.
Before officially handing over the funds, Reynolds literally carrying an
oversized check came into the City Hall and quipped, “I brought a small
check.” Reynolds represented the local 1,049-member VFW Post. He also
touted Post 4548 as the largest within Arkansas.
While accepting the donated check, Jacksonville Police Chief Gary Sipes
alluded to the challenge that the VFW had made to other groups or
organizations with its generous donation. Sipes continued, “I appreciate
the challenge. This is going to be a great help to us.”
According to Sipes, two officers had been guest speakers at the VFW Post
event and Post members voted, at that very time, to set aside funds to
assist the police department in its purchase. The motion carried creating
a “challenge” for others to possibly accept.
Patsy Reynolds, Don Reynolds’ wife, who serves as the president of Post
4548’s Ladies Auxiliary, also looked on as the event got under way to help
out Jacksonville police officers.
The total cost including tax is $30,894.96 for 12 of those specially
designed vests to better protect the special response team members. Hibbs’
letter also reads, “This cost exceeds any availability within our annual
budget. Any contribution would be greatly appreciated.”
To donate, contact Sgt. Brett Hibbs at (501) 982-3191.
After the check presentation, Patsy Reynolds was heard saying to a group
of officers, “Thank you all very much,” in reference to the protection and
service they provide on a daily basis to the community.
The VFW, a nonprofit organization, generated the generous donation not
only from bingo but also events sponsored throughout the year, according
to the VFW Post adjutant Ashley Little.
-------------------------
posted by Larry Scott
Founder and Editor
VA Watchdog dot Org
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