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May 9, 2009

LETTERS: May 9, 2009

C’Town police leaders respond to letter



We are writing to respond to Harold Goodlett Sr.’s letter, published Thursday, May 7, concerning body armor for police officers in Charlestown.

Officer safety is among the highest of our priorities, and all members of the Charlestown Police Department are issued PACA vests as a matter of course. These vests are lightweight, comfortable and can be worn under garments, and yet are strong enough to stop most bullets.

The fundraising effort to purchase Delta Five tactical body armor was initiated by private residents in the wake of the shooting of two Jeffersonville police officers. Thanks to the generosity of Preferred Automotive owner Troy French and other generous private citizens, officers in both Sellersburg and Charlestown will enjoy enhanced protection during high-risk tactical operations.

The Charlestown Police Department is well funded, has the support of the city’s government and the resources it needs to operate at full effectiveness. The police department has regularly been able to afford raises for its officers, and has enough funds to consider pursuing matching grants for the construction of a new police station.

We are grateful to Mayor Bob Hall and the Charlestown Common Council for understanding and addressing our needs as we continue to protect and serve the residents of Charlestown.

— Col. Steve Dean, chief of police; Maj. Keith McDonald, assistant chief of police, Charlestown Police Department

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