Company donates 900 ballistic vests to Fort Worth PD

FORT WORTH, Texas - A Fort Worth developer wants to be sure officers are safe from rifle fire.

The Mallick Group, a Fort Worth real estate and energy investment firm, is donating $355,000 to the Fort Worth Police Department.

The money will be used to buy 900 enhanced ballistic vests and helmets for front-line officers and graduating recruits.

“Sadly, the high velocity ballistic protection they provide is necessary, and will be distributed to front line officers in an effort to better protect them while they serve our community. Their donation inspires our department and provides a level of support that may not be as evident in other major cities,” added Fort Worth Police Chief Joel Fitzgerald.

The donation launches the “Protect The Fort” initiative. The Fort Worth SWAT Group is encouraging the public to donate for the purchase of even more protective gear for the department.

"I'm excited to see the "Protect the Fort" Initiative open the door for others to tangibly give back to our officers. I trust that these vests will not only provide additional protection for our police force, but also convey to our officers that we as a community support their sacrifice to Fort Worth," said Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price.

For more information or to donate, visit www.protectthefort.com.