Town of Winchester Completes U.S. Department of Justice Bulletproof Vest Grant

July 31, 2026, WINCHESTER, CT – The Town of Winchester has completed its 2024 U.S. Department of Justice Patrick Leahy Bulletproof Vest Partnership (BVP) Program grant, helping ensure Winchester Police Department officers are equipped with modern, life-saving ballistic protection. The Town received $3,456.72 through the federal program to replace expired or expiring ballistic vests for seven police officers, representing roughly one-third of the Department's sworn officers.

 

Ballistic vests are among the most critical pieces of safety equipment carried by law enforcement officers, but they have a limited-service life and must be replaced periodically to maintain their protective capabilities. The Patrick Leahy Bulletproof Vest Partnership helps local law enforcement agencies offset these replacement costs, ensuring officers continue to have reliable body armor while reducing the financial burden on local communities.

 

"We are fortunate to have dedicated men and women who have chosen a career in public service," said Chief of Police Christopher Ciuci. "Making sure they have modern, reliable protective equipment is one of the ways we demonstrate our commitment to supporting them. When we invest in our officers and department, we invest in the safety and well-being of our entire community."

 

"Federal grant programs like BVP allow us to invest in the safety of our officers while reducing the financial burden on our community," Town Manager Paul Harrington said. "As the demands of modern policing continue to evolve, it is essential that we provide our officers with the equipment they need to serve with confidence. Above all, we want every member of the Winchester Police Department to return home safely to their loved ones at the end of each shift, and investments like this help make that possible."

 

For questions or requests for additional information, please contact the Office of the Town Manager at 860-738-6962.

 

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