The Georgia Power Foundation donated $900,000 to the Atlanta Police Department for body armor that can withstand bullets from an assault rifle, the city and the utility giant announced late Thursday.
The money, which the city will match with a little over $900,000, will be used to buy 1,856 bulletproof vests and helmets, Mayor Kasim Reed said in a news conference. About 1,500 sets will go to APD officers, more than 250 to Atlanta fire and rescue crews and 75 to the city department of corrections.
The total spend will be around $1.89 million, the city said. The equipment will begin rolling out immediately and should be fully distributed by the end of the year.
“This body armor will immediately enhance the safety of our brave police officers and strengthen the security of our city,” Reed said.
“I really can’t thank (Georgia Power CEO) Paul Bowers enough for leading the way on this important gift,” the mayor continued. “Paul really is the picture of what exemplary business leadership looks like. (He) is someone who understands you can do good and well at the same time and who backs up his words with his deeds. “
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