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Polk County sheriff wins board approval to replace special‑threat plates and helmets; new K‑9 arriving
Summary
Sheriff Jeff told the Polk County Board that ballistic plates and helmets issued to deputies are past recommended service lives and asked the board to approve replacement purchases; the board approved the motion by voice vote and the sheriff said he will identify funding and report back. The sheriff also announced a new canine scheduled to begin bonding and training.
Sheriff Jeff told the Polk County Board on Wednesday that several rifle‑rated ballistic plates and helmets the department uses are beyond recommended service windows and should be replaced to reduce liability and protect deputies.
The sheriff presented vendor quotes and rough unit estimates — noting ballistic plates he had priced and helmets he expected to cost roughly $1,400 per deputy including shipping — and asked the board to approve purchasing replacements even though the expense was not in the 2026 budget.
Board members moved and seconded the motion; the purchase authorization passed by voice vote. The sheriff said he will locate funds and provide an update at a future meeting.
“We can still utilize these and put them as a back plate, but I don't want the majority of the facing the person and having the liabilities,” the sheriff said, explaining the decision to replace equipment he said was originally bought amid shootings years earlier.
During the same discussion the sheriff announced the department will pick up a new canine in Plymouth at midnight and begin bonding and training the dog mid‑month. He said the K‑9 program will involve a local elementary school in choosing a name and that the new canine will begin training and community visits after its arrival.
The board’s action was a voice vote with no roll‑call tally recorded in the minutes. The sheriff said he would report back with final quotes, totals and the procurement plan once staff receives firm pricing.
