By Gail M. Williams
Muleshoe Journal Correspondent

The Muleshoe Police Department recently purchased tactical vests that officers can wear in the event of a critical incident or response.
“We were able to purchase the vests with some cost savings found in last year’s budget,” said Muleshoe Chief of Police Gary McHone.
McHone pointed out that officers already wear body armor every day.
“This is additional protection on top of that,” he said.
At about $300 each, McHone says the department got the vests at a good price. Each individual officer will be issued one to carry in the back of the squad car.
“The vests will complement other equipment including everything in their duty belts as well as well as in their patrol vehicles, such as first aid kits and traffic cones,” McHone said.
Equipped with tactical plates front and back, the vests weigh about 30 pounds. The department plans to hold extra training sessions so that officers can get used to wearing the vests.
“It’s an additional piece to keep the officers and their community safe,” McHone said. “We’re thankful to be able to provide it. It’s better to have it and not need it than it is to not have it and need it.”