There’s been an outpouring of support for Ukrainian relief efforts in Butler County, and now the sheriff’s office is joining the cause.
The department has donated 43 bulletproof vests to the Ukrainian fighters. We spoke with Sheriff Mike Slupe yesterday who said he found out about a fraternal order of police in Williamsport coordinating the donation drive last week.
“I called Steve Helm, who was coordinating the drive, and said I know have some vests. I didn’t know we had 43. But, he said here’s the problem, ‘my guy is going over Monday,” Slupe said.
Because the turnaround time was so quick, Slupe had to move fast in order to get it approved and delivered. Slupe says the county commissioners were all in on the idea and quickly approved the donations.
“If it were not for the county commissioners allowing this happen, this wasn’t happening. That’s how important they are in this. I may have been the point guy, but if they say no, this story doesn’t exist.”
Slupe said that the bulletproof vests were no longer allowed for use by the department, so there was no cost to the county.
He also said he also coordinated efforts with the sheriff’s office in Crawford County and another municipal police department for additional donations. He says the vets are currently on their way to the Ukraine.
