June 16, 1998
CONTACT: AUDREY HUDSON 202-224-5852
JAMES DOYLE 303-866-1900

EMBARGOED UNTIL 3 P.M. JUNE 16, 1998

U.S. Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell and Arapahoe County Sheriff Pat Sullivan attended a White House signing ceremony to make Campbell's Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Act of 1998 part of the law.

Campbell's legislation establishes a $25 million federal matching grant available for police enforcement agencies for the purchase of bulletproof vests, commonly referred to as "body armor."

"Bulletproof vests mean the difference between life and death," said the senior Senator from Colorado. It is currently estimated two police officers are shot every 24 hours because of a lack of protective body armor. In Colorado, a manhunt is currently ongoing for two men who allegedly shot four officers recently, killing Dale Claxton a police officer from Cortez, Colorado.

"One of those officers was wearing a bulletproof vest when he was shot, and it literally saved his life," Campbell said.

According to the FBI, officers who do not wear bulletproof vests are 14 times more likely to be killed by firearms than those who wear vests.

"Simply put, this bill will save lives," said Campbell, a former deputy sheriff.

The President signed Campbell's bill into law at a formal ceremony in the East Room, and Campbell has officially requested the money be available for distribution as part for the 1999 fiscal year budget.

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