Vests, spike strips, weapons donated to Roanoke police

Friends of Roanoke Police Department have recently helped in the purchase of new equipment.

Chief Adam Melton said Congressman Mike Rogers helped RPD get a Department of Justice grant for $11,040, which was used to purchase 24 new bulletproof vests. The vests were purchased from the low bidder, PT Armor of Anniston.

The vests, which were fitted for each individual officer, are lighter to wear than the old vests, but can withstand a higher caliber bullet. They come with a five-year warrant, and the department purchased an additional five-year warranty, said Melton.

Included in the purchase are tactical covers with pockets that zip up and are waterproof, which the old ones were not.

“We encourage them to be worn every day,” said Melton. They are standard issue for all of the officers in the department.

The chief said he will contact neighboring agencies to see if they’d like some good used vests, still under warranty. This grant is renewable in three years and then some of these vests can be given to reserve officers.

“The safety of officers is the most important thing, and anything we can equip them with to make their job easier and safer is a goal that I have,” said Melton. “We’re pleased to have Mike Rogers representing us and looking out for our safety and well-being.”

Spike strips

State Rep. Richard Laird presented the department with $1,500, which was used to purchase four more sets of tire deflation devices or spike strips. Now every patrol car can have a set when needed.

Once a vehicle goes over the strips, the needles in it come out and slowly deflate the tires, bringing them to a safe stop. The strips are wide enough to take up the whole road and may deflate one or all four tires.

Melton said he believes the use of spike strips will reduce high-speed chases going through Roanoke. RPD has set them out twice recently, but in the end, did not have to use them, he said.

Rifles

A donation of $3,000 from Tommy Wood of Emerging Home Care Pharmacy in 3-D Shopping Center has been used to purchase two assault rifles for use in high-risk situations. Melton said they have every option possible for all situations.

Melton said, “Mr. Wood, Rep. Laird and Rep. Rogers have shown they care for the safety of the officers protecting our community. It benefits us and the city because the items needed to protect officers and the public were not at expense of city government.”