Governor Steve Beshear has announced that the city of Albany has been awarded a state Law Enforcement Protection Program Grant for $3,700 to purchase body armor.

A total of 18 law enforcement agencies were awarded $100,935 in LEPP grants, which are administered by the Kentucky Office of Homeland Security to provide financial help for certain items essential in the course of their duties.

“These grants provide important funds to law enforcement agencies to purchase protective equipment for officers who strive to keep our Commonwealth safe and secure,” Gov. Beshear said.

“Grants like those given by LEPP are critical in meeting the needs of our first responders,” said state Sen. Sara Beth Gregory, of Monticello. “I know I join local officials in expressing our appreciation for these funds.”

In conjunction with the Kentucky State Police (KSP), KOHS derives income from sales of confiscated weapons. KSP conducts periodic auctions – only to federally licensed firearms dealers – that generate dollars for the LEPP initiative.

KOHS then assesses needs and, after prioritization, provides available funds for the acquisition of body armor, duty weapons, ammunition, and electronic or muscular disruption technical devices, which are often referred to as Tasers.

“It’s gratifying to know we can help in some way to supply law enforcement with some of the tools they need to carry out their important jobs,” said Gene Kiser, executive director of KOHS.

LEPP support goes to police agencies of cities, counties, charter counties, unified counties, urban-counties and consolidated local governments, sheriff’s departments and public university police departments.