The University of Colorado Boulder Police Department (CUPD) is answering the call for protective gear for Ukraine’s frontline citizen soldiers, donating body armor to protect lives. On Tuesday, Gov. Jared Polis sent a letter to Colorado law enforcement agencies, asking for immediate donations of body armor and ballistic helmets, stressing this is an opportunity for Colorado residents to help save lives in Ukraine’s battle for democracy.
CUPD delivered 66 plates of body armor rated for protection from rifle shots. Thursday’s body armor donation to the Colorado National Guard’s Denver Armory is enough to protect 33 individuals, with plates worn both front and back. The deadline to deliver donations is Monday, March 14, when the Colorado Department of Public Safety and the Colorado Department of Military and Veterans Affairs will ship donations to Ukraine.
CU Boulder Assistant Vice Chancellor for Public Safety and Chief of Police Doreen Jokerst said she’s grateful the department was able to help.
“We understand that Ukraine’s citizen-soldiers may not have all the protective gear they need,” Jokerst said. “If we can help save the life of even one man or woman in this battle, it’s worth it.”
It is commonplace for police agencies to maintain a supply of body armor as an added layer of protection during possible active harmer events, to be worn over officers’ bulletproof vests. The department replenishes its stock of body armor based on manufacturers’ recommendations.
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