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Commissioners approve state-funded grant application for bullet-resistant vehicle components
Summary
Newton County approved applying for a fully funded state grant to equip sheriff patrol vehicles with bullet-resistant glass and windshields for eligible patrol vehicles (likely model-year 2023 and newer); commissioners discussed replacement logistics and vehicle eligibility.
Newton County Commissioners Court authorized staff to apply for a state-funded grant to purchase bullet-resistant components for sheriff patrol vehicles.
S1 introduced the application as a state grant program administered through the governor’s office; S4 emphasized the safety rationale, saying deputies and officers 'need the safety they need.' S3 (Richard White) moved to apply for the grant and S1 seconded; the court approved the application by voice vote.
The court discussed eligibility and logistics. Commissioners noted the grant targets newer vehicles (a model-year threshold was discussed) and that components would be swapped into vehicles and then moved as vehicles are retired; the grant requires no local match and is fully funded by the governor’s office.
Why it matters: the grant opportunity would allow the sheriff’s office to add protective glass and windshields to patrol vehicles at no local cost, which county officials framed as a measure to increase deputy safety.
What’s next: staff will prepare and submit the application as allowed by the grant period (applications open Oct. 1 per the discussion); the court asked staff to coordinate the logistics of installation and reinstallation when vehicles are cycled out of service.
