The Bridgeport Police Department received some much-needed equipment, and it came from groups that regularly do honorable deeds for law enforcement.
Earlier this week, representatives from the Blue Knights and Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Mountaineer Lodge #78 presented the city’s police department with ballistic vests. The FOP consists of former officers, current officers, retired officers, while the Blue Knights are a first responder motorcycle group that also consists of many of the same individuals representing law enforcement.
The two groups were on hand at the city’s police department to make the presentation. Bridgeport Police Chief Mark Rogers was thrilled with the presentation.
“These are two groups that continually do good deeds to advance the efforts, as well as helping to protect, those who are in law enforcement,” said Rogers. “I hope they know just how appreciative we are for all they do for the men and women who serve.”
FOP members Ron Watson and Sgt. Justin Moore of the Clarksburg Police Department were on hand for the presentation. Ed Martin represented the Blue Knights at the event at the Bridgeport Municipal Complex.
“All of our officers are issued ballistic vests, but not ballistic shields. The shields provide a greater level of protection against a higher caliber of weapon,” said Rogers. “In the event of a more dangerous situation, it may not eliminate the danger, but it lessens the possibility of a bodily injury.”
Rogers said the valuable tool is now available to every patrol shift. He said the city’s SWAT team has them, but the patrol shift has just one shield that is shared across every unit.
“This allows each shift to take one out,” said Rogers.
The group already has presented shields to the City of Clarksburg. Rogers said it is his understanding that smaller units in the area will also be presented with shields. The Clarksburg Police Department and Harrison County Sheriff's Department are also early recipients of the donations.
“We can’t emphasize enough how much we appreciate what they do,” said Rogers.
The shields, depending on their size, weigh between 15 and 18 pounds.
Editor’s Note: Pictured, from left, are Sgt. Brett Stewart, Officer Cameron Turner, Chief Mark Rogers, Officer Isaac Neal, Sgt. Justin Moore, Ed Martin, and Ron Watson.
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