The Houston Police Department is among agencies sharing more than $700,000 in state grants to purchase essential equipment used by officers, including ballistic vests, first aid and trauma kits, police radios, light bars and sirens, Gov. Mike Parson said.
The grants are designed to help protect officers and increase safety across Missouri.
The Houston Police Department is receiving $5,637, which will cover the cost of four siren boxes/speakers, nine light bars/lights and five flashlights. Cabool received $9,195 and Summersville was allocated $1,925
Parson said 106 grants were awarded.
“Each time they put on their badge, Missouri law enforcement officers take on tremendous risks without second guessing the potential impacts on themselves,” Parson said. “They do a job most people don’t want to do, and they must have the proper equipment to protect themselves and our fellow citizens. These grants will assist in the purchase of ballistic vests, police radios, light bars, sirens, and other equipment to help our law enforcement officers do their jobs as safely and effectively as possible.”
“These grants will increase the ability of our Missouri police officers and sheriffs’ deputies to do their jobs more safely,” Department of Public Safety director Sandy Karsten said. “The money will fund over 140 ballistic vests, over 300 first aid and trauma kits, over 60 police radios, and other important equipment. In an era of tight budgets, these funds can make a difference.”