Mike Dreckman, Branch Manager of Iowa State Bank of Le Mars (second from right) holds the new bullet-proof vest that was presented to Le Mars Police Officer Brandon Cabney (far right) on Thursday afternoon. Le Mars Police Chief Kevin Vande Vegte (far left) and Iowa State Bank past president and owner Frank Vogel (center left) look on.
(Le Mars) — The Le Mars Police Department received a gift from the Iowa State Bank Thursday afternoon. The bank presented Chief Kevin Vande Vegte and officer Brandon Cabney with a new bullet-proof vest. Police Chief Vande Vegte says representatives of the Iowa State Bank approached the police department to inquire if there is a way the bank could assist the local police department.
Officer Brandon Cabney is the officer to be wearing the new vest. Vande Vegte says the new type of bullet-proof vest can be worn on the outside of the uniform and is more comfortable to wear.
Chief Vande Vegte says the cost for a new bullet-proof vest is about $1200 each. He says the vests can be used for a period of time equaling about five years.
Vande Vegte says the police department replaces all the officer’s vests at the same time, and he says this coming October each of the officer’s will have a new vests.
Vande Vegte says former police chief Stuart Dekkenga established the policy that all officers are required to wear the bullet-proof vest while on duty.
Dreckman says Le Mars is fortunate to be the sixth safest community in Iowa, and he credits the police force. The bank manager says the Iowa State Bank wanted to offer assistance to the local police department.
Dreckman says the purchase of the bullet-proof vest is an insurance payment for the police and the community.
