New bulletproof vests coming for Northfield's first responders

Thanks to the efforts of many donors in Northfield, many of Northfield’s first responders will soon be getting bulletproof vests to wear on the job. The new vests will likely be available to members of the emergency medical services and Northfield area fire and rescue services teams by the end of the year.

Galen Malacha, Rice County Commissioners for District 2, said the community has donated over $32,000 to the Vest Fund so far. The organizations that spearheaded the fundraising effort include the VFW, the Defeat of Jesse James Days committee and the Northfield Hospital Auxiliary.

The largest donor was the Northfield Hospital Auxiliary. Founded in 1951, the Auxiliary has raised and contributed nearly a million dollars in support of programs and services at Northfield Hospital and related community projects.

Each vest costs between $1,000-$1,500 depending on how many armored plates are added, said Brian Edwards, Emergency Medical Services Chief. Edwards estimated that the money raised so far would pay for around 22 new vests.

Earlier this spring Edwards and and Tom Nelson, Northfield Fire Chief, said that 32 new bulletproof vests were needed in order to equip all of the area first responders.

Malecha said the Vest Fund was an ongoing project that community members are always welcome to keep contributing towards. He said he would keep working with state and federal officials to get the necessary funding for the additional vests.