Businesses help purchase bulletproof gear for Ansonia Police Department

Ansonia Police Chief Kevin Hale holds a ballistic shield during a press conference in August in his office.

ANSONIA - The Rev. John Hinson and his wife, Maude, want to thank local businesses for their generosity toward purchase of life-saving equipment for the police department. 

Hinson is pastor of First Baptist Church and the couple organized Honor Ansonia Blue, the third annual Police Appreciation Day to honor and support the department.

Maude Hinson said Farrel-Pomini Corp. purchased a $3,500 ballistic shield, and People's United Bank donated $1,500 to the effort. 
She said the money went toward covering expenses for last week's Honor Ansonia Blue event at the church. That allowed funds to be used toward purchase of life-saving gear, she said.
The fund-raising goal is $40,000. 

Read about the event here in the Valley Voice newsletter.