JARRETT GOODMAN
Staff Writer
The Marion County Sheriff’s Department is set to receive new ballistic vests and additional accessories following the county commission’s recent approval for a bid submitted by North American Fire Equipment Company Inc. (NAFECO).
The bid submitted was worth $18,535 and goes directly towards the purchase of new ballistic vests for officer to wear, alongside additional items for officers to use. According to Marion County Mayor David Jackson, every five to six years the vests are required to be replaced, with a total of 14 vests within the Sheriff’s Department currently needing replacement.
Through recommendations made by the National Institute of Justice, an organization dedicated to the study of crime and the justice system, ballistic vests need to be replaced every five years to accommodate for vest degradation. Degradation of the material can depend on the amount of usage placed on each vest worn, in addition to factors, including weather, which could affect the lifespan of each vest.
All members of the council unanimously agreed to accept NAFECO’s $18,535 bid, ensuring the sheriff’s department will receive new vests and additional items for the officers on duty to use.