Yesterday we told you about the Body Armor Grant program, which exists to provide law enforcement officers with equipment like bulletproof vests.

Tonight we have more about the program and how it's impacting police forces across the state.

Our Emily Sisk was at the Northern Kentucky Law Enforcement Memorial in Covington yesterday and heard from state leaders about the developments.

I'm proud to announce as of today that we have approved nearly 2000 items, a body armor vest.

That was the news from Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman.

Access to protective equipment was made possible by the Body Armor Grant program, which was created last year after the Kentucky General Assembly provided $15 million.

State leaders and regional law enforcement gathered in Covington to celebrate the announcement.

Senator Chris McDaniel, who represents Northern Kentucky and chairs the Appropriations Committee, spoke about the mission behind the program.

Sometimes, in the most extreme circumstances, when our law enforcement is called upon to act on our behalf, they have to do so at the point of a gun.

When that occurs, those who are charged with maintaining peace need the best protection that we can offer.

In Northern Kentucky, 19 law enforcement agencies have been approved for body armor throughout Boone, Kenton, and Campbell counties.

Florence's police chief said the equipment couldn't have come at a better time.

We became aware of the program, the grant at an ideal time for us.

We had several officers that were wearing armor that was getting ready to expire, and we were in the process of hiring several new officers.

Attorney General Coleman said last year, 20% of Kentucky's law enforcement officers were either not wearing a vest or were wearing one that was expired.

Bulletproof vests become expired about every five years.

That was when the attorney general saw the need for the grant program.

With the availability of programs like this.

There should be no reason for an officer to be be trolling their community without appropriate body armor to protect them.

For Campbell County Sheriff Mike Johnson, the development hits close to home.

His brother, Anthony Janson, was killed in the line of duty more than 40 years ago.

He was only 25.

Anthony wasn't wearing body armor at the time, but a vest would have covered where the bullet hit.

I can still remember sitting in the kitchen with my parents, stressing the importance of getting a vest, getting a vest before you hit the road.

Body armor back then and today is expensive.

Today, each vest costs about $800.

But as Sheriff Johnson said, it's the least that can be provided for men and women who risk their lives on the job.

All deputies and officers deserve the ability to serve in knowing that they return home safely to their loved ones after each shift.

That's per line, guys.

Party one.

The goal of the program is to equip every law enforcement officer in the state with a vest.

Then the Attorney General wants to invest in shields and helmets for Kentucky Edition.

I'm Emily Sisk.

This is thank you, Emily Campbell.

County Sheriff Mike Johnson's family was there for yesterday's announcement, including his nephew, who was continuing his father's legacy by serving in law enforcement in Northern Kentucky.