News Flash

The Liberty Lake Police Department has received a $33,273.18 from the Spirit of Blue Foundation for the recent addition of protective armored plates that are now available for the department’s police officers.  Spirit of Blue Foundation executive director Ryan T. Smith formally presented the award at the Liberty Lake Police station on July 8.  

The grant to the Liberty Lake Police Department involves the receipt of 23 pairs of front and back level IV shooter’s cut ballistic plates from Armourer’s Choice.  Each plate weighs about 7 pounds, and they are positioned on the front and back sides of a protective vest that can be worn by an officer.  The new equipment will enhance the protection of Liberty Lake’s police officers from serious injury during critical incidents such as those involving active shooters. 

Additionally, this equipment will reduce the response time taken by officers during critical incidents by eliminating the need to stand by for mutual aid assistance from neighboring agencies that may be better equipped with protective resources.  The new armor plates for LLPD’s officers will also increase the likelihood of saving the lives of victims and potential victims during violent incidents.

The Liberty Lake Police Department is currently staffed by 23 fully commissioned law enforcement officers, as well as two support staff members and two citizen volunteers.

Since 2015, the Liberty Lake Police Department has made use of approximately a dozen donated throw-over ballistic tactical vests.  These vests typically have a protective usage expectancy of about five to 10 years, since the ballistic material in the vests degrades over time.

The Spirt of Blue Foundation is based in Sherwood, Oregon, and provides equipment and training grants for public safety agencies in 15 safety categories.  The grant to the Liberty Lake Police is sponsored through a donation from Law Enforcement United, a national organization that raises funds through active and retired law enforcement officers as well as family members of lost officers.