By Pat Culverhouse

Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies and investigators have received a boost in body protection, thanks to a grant provided through the Webster Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (WOHSEP).

Eight armored vests were purchased with roughly $8,000 worth of funds through the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP), according to WOHSEP Director Brian Williams.

“The Sheriff’s Office gave us the items they needed, we checked through our grant sources and found the money,” Williams said. “It’s good that we’re able to help our deputies with this equipment.”

Webster Parish Sheriff Jason Parker said the vests are top-of-the-line and are equipped to prevent serious injury from higher caliber ammunition.

“These are a little different vests that the ones most of our deputies wear now,” he said “The plating is designed to stop higher powered rounds, and that means a lot when there’s a chance we’re facing someone who is heavily armed. This is good for us.”

Parker said his office will soon be receiving more equipment from the Webster homeland security office. Another $6,000 worth of grant money will be used to purchase upgraded radio equipment that will make it easier for deputies to talk directly to one another during critical situations.