September 9, 2022 |
An unexpected donation from a private source saves Saratoga police from wearing expired body armor that are part of their patrol uniforms.
As previously reported by Bigfoot99, Saratoga police could have been forced to wear expired body armor because of a budget oversight. During the August 16th Saratoga town council meeting, Police Chief Kenneth Lehr requested money to purchase three new vests. These vests were over six years old and reaching their operational limit. However, there was nothing in the budget to pay for the armor. The council tabled the issue until the funding could be found.
Doctor Michael Janssen, the owner of the Saratoga Hot Springs Resort, heard about this issue and decided to take matters into his own hands. At Tuesday’s council meeting Mayor Creed James said that Dr. Janssen volunteered to cover the entire cost of purchasing new vests.
The town council was thankful for Dr. Janssen’s generous contribution.
Chief Lehr says that the donation is a morale booster and shows his department that the community cares.
The new bullet proof vests will allow Saratoga law enforcement officers to feel more secure. Unfortunately, their jobs have become increasingly dangerous over the years. People with drugs and weapons have gotten more common. Body armor helps keep the officers safe while they protect the town.
Bigfoot 99 reached out to Dr. Janssen for a comment but he was unavailable.
Pictured above: File photo of Saratoga Town Hall/Police Department. Photo by Cali O’Hare/Bigfoot 99.
