By Abigail Roberts
Stanford Police Officers will have more personal protection and will be better-equipped to respond to opioid overdoses, thanks to new equipment received through state grant and opioid settlement funds.
The Stanford Police Department (SPD) recently acquired new safety and emergency response equipment through state grant funding and opioid settlement funds, bringing approximately $86,000 worth of critical equipment to the department at no cost to the city.
“Captain Ryan Kirkpatrick was able to obtain officer safety through a grant from the Kentucky Office of the Attorney General,” a press release states.
The new equipment includes 10 ballistic helmets, 10 plate carriers, 20 level IV rifle-related ballistic plates and a ballistic shield. The total value of the items is approximately $58,000.
Police Chief Zach Middleton said the equipment will enhance officer protection and preparedness during high-risk situations, including active shooter incidents and other violent threats.
The new equipment is essential to officer protection, Kirkpatrick said.
“Ballistic helmets, rifle armor plates, and shields provide officers with essential protection when responding to dangerous environments,” he said. “In critical incidents such as active shooter situations, properly equipped officers can move more quickly and safely toward the threat, allowing them to intervene faster and protect innocent lives.”
Kirkpatrick was also able to facilitate the purchase of six Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs), opioid overdose emergency kits and a LUCAS mechanical CPR device. The total value of those items is about $28,000 and were funded through opioid settlement funds.
“Opioid overdoses frequently lead to respiratory failure and cardiac arrest, making rapid medical intervention critical,” Kirkpatrick said. “The newly acquired AEDs and opioid emergency kits will allow officers to provide immediate lifesaving care while awaiting the arrival of EMS. The LUCAS mechanical CPR device provides consistent, high-quality chest compressions during cardiac arrest, significantly improving the ability to sustain life during prolonged resuscitation efforts.”
SPD Officers are often first to arrive during critical incidents, whether it is a violent emergency or medical crisis, Police Chief Middleton said.
“Having the proper protective equipment and medical tools ensures they can respond effectively and safely while protecting the citizens of Stanford,” Middleton said.
Stanford Mayor Dalton Miller said improving community safety is a top priority.
“Through partnerships and responsible use of funding opportunities, we are able to equip our officers with the tools they need to protect and serve our community without placing additional financial burden on our taxpayers,” Miller said.
Kirkpatrick and Middleton presented the new equipment to the Stanford City Council during the January council meeting.
“City Council members expressed their support of such equipment and expressed the need to continue progressing the agency,” Middleton said.
SPD will begin deploying the new equipment immediately as part of it’s ongoing efforts to enhance public safety, emergency readiness and community protection.
