WESTBROOK — The Westbrook Public Safety Department has received a grant of $8,629 to purchase ballistic vests.

The Cumberland County Emergency Management Agency announced on Nov. 9 that Westbrook would be receiving a Homeland Security Grant. Across the county a total of $159,926 was awarded.

Westbrook Police Chief Janine Roberts said the 20 vests will be shared by police officers, firefighters and EMTs. They will be stored in vehicles and if needed, will be worn over regular gear. She said the department is trying to “beef up protection for officers.”

“It was a need identified coming up through the ranks and I agreed,” she said.

The vests will be used if there is an active shooter situation, Roberts said. She said Westbrook hasn’t had an active shooter in the few years she’s been on the force, but that it’s better to be prepared.

“We’re trying to be prepared if something like this happened,” she said. “It’s emergency preparedness.”

In a press release, the county’s Emergency Management Agency director, Jim Budway, said the grants “will go a long way towards safeguarding lives and property in Homeland Security related events.”

Roberts said police have responded to calls “that could have turned into active shooter situations.” Having the vests on hand in vehicles will give officers peace of mind when heading into potentially dangerous situations.

“If we find ourselves in a potential or real active shooter situation we’ll have these available,” she said.

Roberts said the 20 vests will come in a variety of sizes to fit over gear and to fit a range of officers. She said Westbrook has never used vests like this in the past and that they’re much more protective than typical bulletproof vests.

Kate Gardner can be reached at 781-3661 ext. 125 or kgardner@theforecaster.net. Follow her on Twitter: @katevgardner.