The West Virginia Sheriffs’ Association says its main goal during the upcoming Legislative session is making sure its members have the safety equipment they need when they hit the road.
“The big thing for us is going to be looking at how we can get bullet proof vests for these guys. So many people assume that they are issued vests along with a gun, a baton and pepper spray. They’re not,” explained Rudi Raynes-Kidder, the executive director of the association.
Many sheriff’s departments around the state do purchase bullet proof vests for every deputy. But it is not part of state law.
“They can say, ‘Our department is going to purchase vests.’ But they are not required by statute to do so,” said Raynes-Kidder.
Just last year, an Oak Hill Police officer was shot in the line of duty. Sgt. Lee Kirk was making a routine alarm check in June when he was shot in the stomach by a suspect wielding a small caliber pistol. His vest saved his life.
Raynes-Kidder says it is imperative that all deputies wear a vest while on duty.
No one is sure exactly how many deputies are working the streets without the protection of a vest. But that’s a number she’s trying to pin down.
“[The departments] are going to let us know who needs a vest, how many they need and try to assess need if that is possible,” Raynes-Kidder said.
The average cost of a bullet-proof vest is about $1,200. Raynes-Kidder says it’s a small price to pay for something that could save a life. But not all departments have the money to outfit their deputies. That’s why the association will be looking at the Legislature for possible funding and possibly some private donations.