Dozens of tactical vests once worn by county deputy sheriffs are on their way to Ukraine to help protect first responders and those involved in fighting against the Russian invasion.

Sheriff Michael Slupe said he contacted the county commissioners and obtained permission to donate 43 out-of-service vests owned by the county after learning that police across the state are donating equipment to besieged Ukraine.

He said he saw a social media post from the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge in Williamsport in Lycoming County saying that a former member who works as a Department of State contractor in Ukraine recognized the need for protective equipment and asked law enforcement agencies to contribute.

“They need bullet-resistant vests and helmets. They are in desperate need,” Slupe said about the military and emergency responders in Ukraine. “It’s not military versus military. It’s the military of Russia versus the citizens of Ukraine. It’s just sad.”

Before making arrangements to donate the vests, Slupe said he contacted commissioners for permission because the vests were county-owned assets.

“This venture does not happen without the support of Butler County commissioners,” Slupe said. “These vests are being designated as surplus with no value.”

The vests, which were certified for five years of daily use, are 10 to 15 years old, he said.

After finding out that the Crawford County sheriff’s office was also making a donation, he arranged to have Butler County deputies meet Crawford County deputies at a location along I-80 on March 18 to give them the vests. From there, the vests were placed in a rented truck and driven to Vermont; state police there are planning to ship them to Ukraine.

Leslie Osche, chairwoman of the county commissioners, said approval from the commissioners was necessary because the vests were purchased with tax dollars.

The vests were out of commission and no longer in use, so the commissioners deemed them as having no value to the county, she said.

“The people in our county have always stepped up in times of crisis to provide relief whenever needed. The people of our county always respond,” Osche said.