The Schoolhouse Center in Folsom recently raised $1,000 from its members, almost one dollar at a time, to donate to Vest-a-Cop, a program established to raise funds to purchase bulletproof vests so every police officer in the Delaware County will be protected.

“Vest-a-Cop is a cause near and dear to our hearts,” Schoolhouse director Kim McDaniel told the News of Delaware County. “Some of us have sons who are in law enforcement and some of the members here are retired law enforcers. We all appreciate our police departments and we wanted to help in some way.”

Members of the Schoolhouse Center were astonished to learn that some officers do not have vests and set out immediately to support the cause. McDaniel said member Shirley Carroll went around with a bucket every day during lunchtime at the Center, asking for donations. More than half of the total amount was collected in this manner. Other money came from private donations and small fundraisers. “When I was working, we never had vests,” said retired Swarthmore police officer Ed Burgett, now a Schoolhouse member. “Times were different then. Now there’s a real need because things got much more dangerous out there.”

Vest-a-Cop was formed when Ridley Park officer Marc Hanly was shot twice in the line of duty while responding to a call in Norwood last August. His bulletproof vest saved his life, prompting his family, colleagues, friends, and the community to form the program under the umbrella of the Taylor Community Foundation.

Due to the high cost of bulletproof vests, which generally cost between $800 and $1,000 each, not all local governments and police departments have them.

“Buying a vest is a cheap investment to save a life,” said Hanly.  “My vest allowed me to go home to my family on what could have otherwise turned into a tragic night.”

Vest-a-Cop has since raised more than $26,000.

Click here to read more about Vest-a-Cop.