Ballistic shields, designed to stop rifle bullets, are now in use by the Brown County Sheriff’s Department.

(In the photo – left to right – Pat McLaughlin III, Grants and Government Affairs Coordinator for Brown County; Brown County Judge Shane Britton, Deputy Chris Williamson; Lt. Pete Bastardo; Sgt. Chris Angel and Brown County Sheriff Vance Hill)

Largely in response to the May 24, 2022 Uvalde school shooting, Governor Greg Abbott announced allocation of $50 million for a statewide Bullet/Ballistic-Resistant Shield Grant Program.

Pat McLaughlin, Brown County Director of Governmental Affairs, in concert with the Office of the Governor, secured $68,595.00 of grant funding for 15 of the shields.

“The Governor put together a grant program which was quickly initiated and made it aware to us that we could get the ballistic shields for our law enforcement department,” McLaughlin said.

“I’m excited to finally receive these shields.  We’ve outfitted all of our patrol cars with them, that way we will be able to respond to whatever active shooter situation that may arise.  I appreciate the Governor’s Office  and the County Judge’s Office for assisting us with these shields. Hopefully we’ll never have to use them but we’ll be able to if we need to,” said Brown County Sheriff Vance Hill.

Officers who receive these shields must have either 16 hours of ALERRT Training (Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training) in the past two years or commit to attending in the next two years.  ALERRT is designed to equip first responders with effective strategies to respond to active attack events.

“Brown County is excited to work hand in hand with the Governor’s office to secure equipment and training for our front-line law enforcement officers.  We will continue to do all we can to maintain the safety of our children, teachers and schools in Brown County,” said Shane Britton, Brown County Judge.

KOXE PHOTO – Brown County Judge Shane Britton, right, gets a closer look at the new ballistic shields which the Sheriff’s Department received through a grant from the Governor’s Office.