WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand have secured $635,012.90 for law enforcement entities across Upstate New York from the U.S Department of Justice's Bulletproof Vest Partnership, a program Schumer co-sponsored that splits the cost of new body armor with localities. This will provide enough funding for 2,811 vests.

“The bottom line is that bullet proof vests save cops’ lives and it is worth every penny of federal help to make sure cops on the beat have access to the very best equipment we have to offer. This critical funding will ensure that the police officers across Upstate New York who risk their lives every day are equipped with the resources necessary to protect themselves as they protect us,” said Schumer. “Over 2,800 bulletproof vests will be provided to communities all throughout Upstate New York which will keep these law enforcement officials safe while they are protecting our communities.”

“Our law enforcement risk their lives each day to keep our communities safe,” Senator Gillibrand said. “It is our job to make sure that when they go into harm’s way to fight crime, they have the right equipment to keep them safe. That’s what this investment will do – by providing law enforcement all across New York State with new bulletproof vests that can help save more lives.”