Only months after the Grayson County Sheriff’s Office announced it had purchased updated, healthier uniforms for deputies, the Ohio County Sheriff’s Office said a grant has allowed the agency to buy protective equipment and firearms.
“I’m pleased to announce that the Ohio County Sheriff’s Office was awarded another grant to continue to ensure the safety of the citizens and deputies of Ohio County,” Sheriff Adam Wright said.
The $60,000 grant will allow the sheriff’s office to purchase body armor and other equipment for deputies.
“This purchase is a much-needed necessity for our deputies as most of their vests expired years ago. Also, with this grant, we will be able to purchase brand new firearms for each deputy, bringing uniformity to our office,” the sheriff said.
Wright added that currently his office uses three different types of ammunition, but the grant will allow the sheriff’s office to purchase “one type of ammunition.”
The new look uniforms place most of the weight that formerly was around a deputy’s waist on the torso and shoulders. Chaffins said the change in uniforms came after he took a poll of his force on ideas about how to increase “safety and comfort.”
“One of the topics discussed was transitioning over to a more tactical and practical police uniform as opposed to the traditional ‘Class A’ police dress uniform while on patrol,” Chaffins said. “Deputies overwhelmingly asked to switch to the ‘tactical look’ type of uniform.”
Chaffins said the new look uniforms will increase officer safety and well as their overall health.
“In the past, our deputies carried most of their gear around their waist on their leather belt,” Chaffins stated. “Over time, this added weight — sometimes up to 20 or more pounds – takes its toll on the wearer’s lower back and knees. With the new tactical uniform, most of the gear is positioned on the vest and the vest is carried over the shoulders, thus distributing the weight more evenly across the body.”
But possibly the most important objective and result of changing uniform styles is deputy safety.
“Perhaps the biggest safety measure from wearing this uniform is the fact the vest must be worn with the ballistic panels inserted,” according to the sheriff. “So, the wearer will always have the bullet resistant vest on when wearing this uniform. Some deputies chose to go without wearing the ballistic panels with the traditional uniform. This new uniform takes away the option of going without the ballistic panels.”
Chaffins, noting the military-look the new uniforms display, said some people may not like the combat features of the uniforms but that his deputies’ safety, health and comfort are his primary concerns.
“While some may disagree with the decision of going to this style of uniform because it ‘looks too military,’ I stand firm on my decision,” Chaffins said. “Simply put, this uniform is more practical and safer to wear and is much easier to keep clean than the traditional ones. There are no metal buttons, ties or pins on these uniforms, so they are more durable and comfortable to wear at night and in Kentucky’s ever-changing weather.
“Our command staff at the GCSO would like the public to know that in no way, shape, or form will this new look take away from the professionalism or dedication to our citizens. Grayson County should continue expect the highest standards from its police and trust us to honor the responsibilities granted to us by those we protect and serve.”
(Photo: Ohio Co. Sheriff Adam Wright)
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
