YAPHANK – Suffolk County Executive Steven Levy and the Suffolk County Legislature have authorized the donation of 660 decommissioned personal body armor vests to a U.S. Army Command in Afghanistan, for use in reinforcing military craft.

Under legislation, 660 body armor vests previously used by the Suffolk County Police Department will be donated to a U.S. Army Command in Afghanistan for use on vehicles as a protective measure against gunfire and improvised explosive devices.

Representatives from the Army National Guard 142nd Aviation Brigade stationed at MacArthur Airport loaded up a military truck for transfer of the surplus vests to McGuire Air Force Base and were joined by Levy, Browning, Suffolk Police Commissioner Richard Dormer and representatives of Suffolk police veterans’ organizations.

Although the body armor vests have exceeded the manufacturer-recommended lifespan for use as personal police protection, they still maintain properties that make them suitable for lining the floors, doors and windows of military vehicles and aircraft for an added layer of protection. The Army command in southern Afghanistan is led by Lt. Col. Matthew Bjelobrk, a Suffolk County resident and Suffolk County Police Sergeant.