December 04, 2024
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Freeport Police Department donates retired vests to Ukraine

The Freeport Police Department donated 33 retired Kevlar vests to Ukraine. Pictured, left to right, are Lt. Aaron Dykema, Deputy Chief Travis Davis, Chief Summers, and City Manager Bukas. (Photo supplied)


FREEPORT — The Freeport Police Department is donating 33 retired Kevlar vests to Ukraine to “help keep their citizens safe as they defend their homes and country”, officials announced in a Tuesday press release.

The vests, declared as surplus by the Freeport City Council on March 21, are past their insurance expiration and are unable to be used by Freeport police officers, the release said.

“We are thankful that we can assist the Ukrainian people in safeguarding their families and homes,” said Freeport City Manager, Randy Bukas.

Earlier this month, the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police sent out a notice to police departments across the state seeking vest donations.

These ballistic vests will be shipped to the citizens of Ukraine with no cost to the City of Freeport. The Freeport Police Department joins several other Illinois police departments like McHenry, East Dundee, and Orland in donating to this cause.