Dallas, TX (WBAP/KLIF) – The Dallas Police Department got an early Christmas present Wednesday — new body armor to protect against high powered rifles like the one used in the 2016 downtown ambush.
Officers have been asking for the gear for several years to keep in police vehicles in the event of an attack. Dallas Police Association President Mike Mata says officers understand the dangers of the job but balks at random shootings targeting police:
“We understand that we have a dangerous job and there is a risk at being killed in the line of duty, we agree to that, we know that when we take this job to protect the public. But, this idea that it’s okay to shoot at officers randomly with any guilt or any thought out of pure malice is ridiculous.”
The Dallas Morning News says SWAT officers and representatives from the non-profit Dickey’s BBQ, Boots and Badges teamed up to deliver the new equipment.
The gear, which included ballistics helmets and plates that can be worn over uniforms was funded by a state grant and the Dallas general fund.
Photos from the event were posted to the DPD’s Facebook page.
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