“In West Virginia, we stand up for what’s right, which is why we stand united with Ukraine in every way.”
Gov. Jim Justice called on law enforcement agencies statewide last week to donate any surplus body armor in a multi-state effort to help support Ukraine against Russian attack.
“Our incredible law enforcement officers throughout West Virginia are prepared to answer the call,” Justice said in a press release. “They are well-stocked to be able to continue safely serving our people and communities throughout West Virginia, while providing this much-needed assistance to the Ukrainians who are bravely defending their home country against Russia.”
The governor directed the West Virginia National Guard and the Department of Homeland Security to lead the effort in coordination with the West Virginia Law Enforcement Coalition, which includes the state associations for chiefs of police, county sheriffs, deputy sheriffs, troopers, narcotics officers and the Fraternal Order of Police.
Unused or recently expired ballistic vests are being collected at county sheriff’s offices across the state. The vests will then be picked up by the West Virginia State Police and the state Division of Emergency Management.
Monongalia County Chief Deputy Mark Ralston said the sheriff’s department was able to donate some vests to the cause and have also received donations from West Virginia University Police.
“It’s definitely going to a good cause,” Ralston said. “And it’s something that we really can no longer use so if it can be useful for them then that’s fantastic.”
Ralston said he reached out to all of the departments in the county and is hopeful more donations will roll in.
WVU Police Chief Sherry St. Clair said the department was able to donate surplus protective vests.
“These are protective items our officers are no longer using for a variety of reasons, that may be useful elsewhere,” St. Clair said.
Ralston said the sheriff’s office will continue to accept donations until Thursday, when the vests are scheduled to be collected.
A representative from the governor’s office said it is too early to tell how much armor has been collected to date, but will hopefully have an official update later this week.
Once collected from departments throughout the state, the body armor will be transferred to a single collection point with donations from many other states, according to Justice’s press release. From there, it will be sent to Ukraine.
“We hope and pray that this initiative will make a difference and that justice will win the day,” Justice said.
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