Office of the Governor awards Sheriff’s Office grant of almost $286,000
Written by Post Public Information Representative, Jan 25, 2023, 0 Comments
Courtesy Victoria Luna,
Laredo, TX – Sheriff Martin Cuellar announced Tuesday that the Office of the Governor has awarded the Webb County Sheriff’s Office a grant in the amount of $285,989 for the purchase of approximately 52 ballistic shields.
The rifle-rated ballistic shields to be purchased by the Sheriff’s Office are utilized by law enforcement officers to protect them while approaching dangerous situations where a perpetrator is either armed with a handgun, rifle, or blunt object, explained Sheriff Cuellar.
The concept behind the shield is to stop or deflect bullets or other projectiles fired at officers carrying the tool. The shields are also designed to protect officers from less serious threats, such as items launched at them, added Sheriff Cuellar.
“I thank Gov. Greg Abbott for always being a strong supporter of law enforcement. These ballistic shields will pay strong dividends, as they will protect our deputies from the enemy should they ever find themselves in a dangerous situation,” said Sheriff Cuellar. “We pray we won’t have to use them in active-shooter situations, but in the event that we have to, our deputies will be better equipped to protect themselves and the victim while responding to situations at churches, schools, businesses, or during their regular patrol duties.”
The grant is part of the Office of the Governor Criminal Justice Division and is expected to be approved by the Webb County Commissioners Court during its February 13 meeting.
