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Kearny Police Officer Gonzalo Mata is being measured for a new ballistic vest by Phillip Roux, owner of Shooter’s World. New vests will be replacing outdated ones throughout the department and are being paid for through an award from the 100 Club of Arizona. Vicki Clark | Copper Basin News
Kearny Police officers were fitted last week for new ballistic vests thanks to the 100 Club of Arizona. With the $6,000 award the Kearny Police Department with be able to purchase ballistic vests for all its full time sworn officers and three for reserve officers.
According to Interim Chief Chris Vasquez, the current vests being used by the full time officers have far outlived their expiration dates. “Ballistic vests have a life span of five years,” he said. “After which they should be replaced. Our officers have vests that date back to the 1980’ and ‘90’s. Well past the expiration date.
“Without this award the Town of Kearny would have not been able to purchase this needed equipment,” the Chief added. “The morale of the department has really picked up, the officers are like little kids in a toy store.”
The Charter mission of the 100 Club of Arizona is to come to the immediate financial aid of the families of an officer who gave his or her life in the line of duty. As time has passed, the mission expanded and changed.
At one time education assistance and medical insurance were provided to survivors. Today besides giving financial support to the families of fallen and injured officers the 100 Club awards funds to police departments to purchase lifesaving equipment.
The 100 Club of Arizona is a non-profit organization that relies on donations from citizens to meet its funding needs. Anyone who wishes to contribute to the 100-Club is encouraged to do so. A donation can be made at the club’s website www.100club.org. The website also provides addition information.
There are news or informational items frequently written by staff or submitted to the Copper Basin News, San Manuel Miner, Superior Sun, Pinal Nugget or Oracle Towne Crier for inclusion in our print or digital products. These items are not credited with an author.
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