A local businessman made a hefty donation to the Opelousas Police Department this week in light of recent fatal police shootings.
Bob Giles of Giles Automotive secured $35,000 for 55 bullet proof vests, which will provide every officer on the Opelousas Police force with a bullet proof vest.
“We cannot show enough gratitude to Bob Giles. With the rash of police shootings around the country, these bullet proof vests could not have arrived at a better time,” Opelousas Police Department Chief Donald Thompson said.
Giles said that he made the donation to help save local heroes’ lives and help them feel more secure when they go out to do their job protecting the community.
“The courageous officers in every state need the support of their communities. I encourage all business owners, large and small, and especially my brothers in the car business to donate to their local Police Departments. We must do our part to ensure that police officers are provided the necessary tools and equipment to feel safe and secure while protecting, serving, and saving the lives of Americans throughout the nation,” said Giles.
Giles will officially present OPD with the vests Friday, July 29th. To assist officers in the Baton Rouge area, donations can be made to the East Baton Rouge First Responders Fund.