CLINTON, Ind – The Clinton Fire Department has received a $1,000 grant that will be used to purchase five bulletproof vests.

The grant was made is fram the Vermillion County Community Foundation.

According to Dale White, CEO of the Community Foundation, “We are trying to do our small part to better protect Clinton firefighters in the event of an active shooter situation. The vests will not be worn on an everyday basis, however; with the substantial increase in gun violence across the county we want the firefighters to be best prepared to respond if such a tragedy would occur locally. Small communities just like Clinton have been faced with these events in recent months”

Chris Strohm, Clinton Fire Chief says, “This grant will greatly increase firefighter safety when responding to high risk emergencies. We often respond to fights, suicide attempts and standoff situations where weapons are often found or have been used. I truly hope that we never have to wear these vests, but in the event of such an emergency it is extremely important that we are best protected in order to help others.”