Chicago Police Memorial Foundation Distributes 434 Vests

CHICAGO — The Chicago Police Memorial Foundation distributed 434 new replacement protective vests to Chicago police officers. Each officer who received a vest is also entitled to receive a free vest cover from CPMF.

The average life span of a bullet-resistant vest is five years. It breaks down. It needs to be replaced. One bullet permanently damages a vest, making it unusable. Chicago police officers are responsible for replacing their own vests. At $650 or more per vest, in addition to other equipment and uniform expenses, the costs can quickly add up.

The Foundation raises money for replacement vests and vest covers through the Get Behind the Vest program, which has distributed 11,728 vests to Chicago Police Officers to date. Perhaps the most successful community initiative is the 19th Ward’s annual pancake breakfast, which draws thousands of residents and has raised over $200,000 since 2015.