WARREN COUNTY, Ky. — According to data provided by the State of Kentucky, approximately 20% of law enforcement officers have expired body armor, or none at all.

Earlier this year, Attorney General Russell Coleman, R-Ky., launched a $15 million grant program to make sure law enforcement officers have the protection they need.

Several law enforcement agencies are testing new equipment at a gun range on the outskirts of Warren County.

Deputies came to see new body armor — manufactured by a company called Galls — which can withstand several close-range and long-range guns. For safety reasons, Spectrum News wasn’t allowed to videotape or take pictures of the new gear.

Warren County Sheriff Brett Hightower and other law enforcement officers were pleased to see the results. 

Hightower said, “That’s what we’re trying to do, provide the right equipment for them, the training for them, right education for them, to do their job in a professional manner.”

Law enforcement agencies across Kentucky are potentially buying from Galls, which has already sized over 250 vests. The company plans on providing lighter, bullet-resistant equipment.

Graham Hensley, the regional account executive of Galls, said, “What we can do, we can take off this Velcro right here, open it up, and we can slide this plate right down in there. So now, that officer has an extra level of protection when they’re approaching a car or in a dangerous situation.”

Hightower says new equipment like this is constantly needed, as each deputy needs new armor after five years of using their previous armor.

Hightower said, “We do it based on, somebody comes in, they get a new vest, five years after that date, whenever that hits.”

Galls will also provide a shield, which is bullet resistant, to protect those who serve our commonwealth.

The grant also provides for the purchase of duty weapons, ammunition and stun guns.