By Trina A. San Agustin
Variety News Staff

LAW enforcers and emergency responders yesterday received 481 bullet proof vests and 200 bags of personal protective equipment that were purchased using over $300,000 in Compact-Impact funds.
“We have prioritized the purchase of ballistic vests for every Guam Police Department uniformed officer because it is critical that we support these brave men and women in their mission to protect the safety of this community,” said Gov. Felix P. Camacho.
The vests alone cost $200,000.
“These vests are a symbol of our working commitment to strengthen public safety,” the governor added.
Previously, the only uniformed officers using bullet proof vests were members of GPD’s Special Weapons and Tactics Team, or SWAT.
Also presented at yesterday’s ceremony was $123,000 worth of personal protective equipment. The 200 bags were given to Guam Customs and Quarantine personnel and emergency responders. The bags contained protective gear such as hoods, coveralls and gloves, among other things.
The bags of personal protective equipment were also given to personnel of GPD, the Guam Fire Department, Guam Memorial Hospital, Guam International Airport Authority, the Department of Corrections, the Superior Court of Guam Marshals, the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Public Health, Tactical Commands Operations (Emergency 911), the Guam Homeland Security, and the Guam Superior Court Probation Division.
“Protecting the health and well being of our community is one of the most basic, fundamental duties of our government,” Lt. Gov. Mike Cruz said. “When the safety of our community is compromised, it is our law enforcement and safety officials who put their lives on the line to keep us safe.”
Camacho, since 2003, dedicated more than $4 million in Compact-Impact funds to equip Guam’s law enforcement officers, according to the governor’s office.