April 19, 2024
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La Salle Catholic War Veterans donate $1,000 to Peru police

Funds will be used to buy new vests

By Jayce Eustice

Second Vice Commander Phil Valle, of the La Salle Catholic War Veterans Post, presented a donation in the amount of $1,000 to the Peru Police Department for the purchase of new ballistic vests for two officers. (Jayce Eustice)

On behalf of the La Salle Catholic War Veterans Post 1229, Second Vice Commander Phil Valle presented $1,000 to the Peru Police Department to buy new ballistic vests for two officers.

Valle said the post plans to make similar donations to other departments in the area and thanked Peru Police Chief Doug Bernabei for his department’s service.

“I want to extend our thanks and appreciation to your department chief, for the efforts that your officers make to keep your community safe,” Valle said.

Bernabei accepted the donation on behalf of the police department and said the money will be put towards its intended use.

“When they contacted us, and I know they are doing this for some of the other local police departments, this will actually pay to get some of our ballistic vests covered on reimbursement through the federal government,” Bernabei said.

The city applies for grants to help cover some of the costs of the necessary equipment but the reimbursement covers a percentage of the cost with the rest falling back on the city.

Bernabei said this donation will give two police officers new ballistic vests. The Peru Police Department provides its officers a new vest every five years through their career.

After five years of service, the officers receive a new vest to ensure it meets the required safety standards.

“An officer might wear five or six of them throughout their career so this is very appreciative and this will go toward the purchase of those vests,” Bernabei said.

Mayor Ken Kolowski thanked Valle for all he and his organization has done in the past and continues to do for the city of Peru and surrounding communities.

“Your energy, from planting flags to every time there’s a 21-gun salute and everything your group does, it’s appreciated,” Kolowski said. “This just shows it even more how much we appreciate everything you guys are doing for us. Hopefully we can help you guys out once in awhile also.”

Other officials also thanked the veterans organization.