Donation of more than $300K provides helmets & plates to CPD
The City of Carmel and the Carmel Police Department announced a significant stride in bolstering the safety and preparedness of its officers, thanks to the generosity of two local donors who rallied to support the department’s initiative.
Contributions from Jeff and Pamela Greenwalt and a second anonymous donor, along with Carmel Mayor Sue Finkam’s commitment to public safety, enabled the procurement of essential tactical gear for officers. The donation – exceeding $300,000 in total – enabled the city to acquire crucial equipment such as rifle-rated plates and ballistic helmets, fulfilling the department’s commitment to enhancing officer safety and effectiveness.
The journey towards outfitting every officer with state-of-the-art protective gear began in 2023 when officers identified the need for rifle-rated plates to confront evolving threats. Subsequently, a proposal for ballistic helmets was submitted, further solidifying the department’s dedication to equipping its personnel with the tools necessary to navigate high-risk situations safely.
“The unwavering support from our community partners has made this transformative initiative possible,” Mayor Finkam said. “The acquisition of rifle-rated plates and ballistic helmets signifies a monumental leap forward in ensuring the safety and preparedness of our office
Finkam
rs, empowering them to respond effectively to potential dangers while serving our community.”
Each kit, created specifically to outfit every officer, includes two rifle-rated plates, a plate carrier adorned with police patches, a ballistic helmet and a body camera mount tailored to the carrier’s specifications. The carrier, designed for seamless integration with officers’ duty uniforms and soft armor, features specialized compartments for magazines, a general-purpose pouch, and a tourniquet pouch, optimizing functionality and mobility in dynamic situations.
Sterling
“The brave men and women of the Carmel Police Department stand ready to protect,” Chief of Police Drake Sterling said. “This donation helps support them and gives piece of mind if and when we are called upon to step into harm’s way. I can’t begin to express my appreciation for these incredibly generous donations.”
The rifle-rated plates, weighing approximately three pounds each, offer robust protection against common rifle rounds, ensuring officers can swiftly maneuver while maintaining essential protection in active threat scenarios. Likewise, the ballistic helmets provide coverage against pistol caliber rounds and potential hazards, enhancing officers’ safety during firearms-related incidents or encounters involving dangerous projectiles.
Additionally, the donation had enough funds leftover to purchase 30 new ballistic helmets for the Carmel Fire Department.
This collaborative effort between Jeff and Pamela Greenwalt and the anonymous contributor materialized in 2023 following Mayor Finkam’s meetings with local community groups and citizens.