By By BEN RAYMOND LODE / Niles Daily Star
NILES -- The City of Niles Police Department will again benefit from legislation that assists local police departments in purchasing bulletproof vests.
Congressman Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph, Thursday announced that the U.S Department of Justice has awarded $56,000 to 19 towns within Michigan's sixth district for the purchase of 234 bulletproof vests.
Niles City Police Department will receive $1,621.5 to buy the new vests.
Huff said the police department receives the grant for the bulletproof vests each year, but the grant doesn't cover the entire cost of the vests the police department has budgeted for.
Huff said the vests, which are basically made out of Kevlar, are used for five years before they are replaced.
The vests are replaced every five years to ensure the safety of the police officers wearing them.
Huff said the police department can't afford the latest models each year and usually buy models that are a year old.
The Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Act of 2000 authorizes $25 million annually to assist local police departments in purchasing bulletproof vests.
Upton was a strong supporter and a co-sponsor of the legislation.