Franklin Police Department secures $30K grant for bulletproof vest upgrades

FRANKLIN, Ind. — The Franklin City Council has introduced a new budgetary ordinance to appropriate federal grant funds awarded through the Bulletproof Vest Partnership (BVP) program on Tuesday, September 8.

Building on the city’s ongoing efforts to protect its law enforcement officers, this funding initiative helps offset local tax dollars while ensuring personnel maintain updated protective gear.

The measure involves appropriating $29,960 directly to the Franklin Police Department to cover the purchase of replacement ballistic vests, keeping officers equipped on a routine five-to-six-year replacement cycle.

Police Chief Kirby Cochran presented the proposal to city officials, emphasizing the department's strategy of continually pursuing grant opportunities to fund necessary equipment upgrades like body armor, which typically costs around $820 to $840 per unit.

City leaders outlined the key operational details surrounding the grant approval:

• Funding Source: Federal Bulletproof Vest Partnership (BVP) program grant.
• Target Purchase: Cover the acquisition of 14 to 18 new ballistic vest units for police officers.
• Ordinance Status: Introduced as Budgetary Ordinance 26-10, with formal consideration and adoption set for upcoming council sessions.