United States Deputy Sheriff's Association donates equipment to Fairmont Police Department

Apr. 20—FAIRMONT — The Fairmont Police Department recently received equipment from the United States Deputy Sheriff's Association to help it better serve and protect residents.

Fairmont Chief of Police Jon Edwards said the department received six flashlights, 12 first-aid kits, four preliminary breath testers and two ballistic body armor vests for officers about two weeks ago. According to the USDSA, the breath testers will help the department counter "drunk driving and underage drinking."

Edwards said the donation from USDSA makes a difference in small police departments like the FPD, which operates under budget constraints. And he is grateful to the organization for their donation, the police chief said.

The supplies will help "to provide safety to the citizens through checkpoints (DWI)" and "help minimize the risk to citizens," Edwards said.

"USDSA donates much-needed safety equipment to underfunded law enforcement entities at no charge, including ballistic body armor, PBTs, drug identification kits, traffic safety vests, first aid kits, and more," according to its website.

"The United States Deputy Sheriff's Association (USDSA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the support of law enforcement, their families, and their communities through equipment donations, a highly acclaimed national training program, End of Watch donations, scholarships, cash grants, and citizen awareness programs."