Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies and investigators have welcomed a bolstering of their body protection gear, courtesy of a grant facilitated by the Webster Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (WOHSEP).
Eight armored vests, valued at approximately $8,000, were procured through funds administered by the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP), as disclosed by WOHSEP Director Brian Williams.
“The Sheriff’s Office presented their needs to us, and we diligently searched through our grant resources to secure the necessary funding,” Williams remarked. “It’s gratifying to provide assistance to our deputies with this essential equipment.”
Webster Parish Sheriff Jason Parker emphasized the superior quality of the acquired vests, highlighting their capability to mitigate severe injuries from higher caliber ammunition.
“These vests differ from the standard issue worn by most deputies,” Parker explained. “Their plating is specifically engineered to halt more potent rounds, which is invaluable when confronting potentially heavily armed individuals. This acquisition significantly enhances our operational readiness.”
Parker further revealed forthcoming enhancements to his office’s equipment inventory courtesy of the Webster homeland security office. An additional $6,000 in grant funds will be allocated towards procuring upgraded radio equipment, facilitating seamless communication among deputies during critical incidents.