Vest goal met

The Walthall County Sheriff’s Office has met its goal to raise enough funds to purchase three modern, lightweight body armor vests for investigators who also serve as part of a street gang task force.
The effort to raise the funds was channeled through Walthall County Crime Stoppers,
“Not only did we reach the goal, we exceeded it,” said Justin Dyar, who first made the need of the modern vests known when addressing a Rotary Club meeting earlier this year.
Because the new vests are much lighter and less bulky than the old vests, officers have more freedom of movement and offer protection against AK-47s, AR-15s and similar weapons wielded by gang members.
The lighter weight materials are useful as officers may approach gang members differently than they would drug activity. Gangs frequently are armed and may fire from a stationary or moving vehicle
“The Sheriff’s Office thanks each person who donated in order to help keep our officers safe, and ensure that they are properly equipped while protecting our community,” Sheriff Kyle Breland said. Walthall County Crime Stoppers has always been a huge resource for the sheriff’s office, not just for equipment, but helping us in investigations. Crime Stoppers has been pivotal in solving crimes by allowing citizens to anonymously call our tip-line. Crime Stoppers is operational 24/7 in order to provide compensation for information.”
Donations made to Walthall County Crime Stoppers are tax deductible.