Leesburg donates surplus equipment to vets

On Tuesday Oct. 29, Mayor Kelly Burk and Lt. Bob Thompson of the Leesburg Police Department gathered with representatives from Worldwide Vets, a 501c3 organization, to recognize a recent vote by the Town Council to donate surplus Police Department equipment to benefit humanitarian efforts in Ukraine.

The Town will donate a total of 17 pieces of surplus police safety equipment—12 vests and five helmets—to be utilized by volunteer veterinarians working in Ukraine. Following approval by both the Town Attorney and the Chief of Police, the Town Council voted on Oct. 21 to donate the equipment.

This is the second time that the Town has donated surplus police equipment to aid efforts in Ukraine. In June 2022, 80 pieces of surplus equipment were donated to the International Society of Equine Locomotor Pathology to benefit equine workers abroad.

The equipment donated this week has a serviceable life of five years and cannot be used by officers as they no longer meet U.S. standards. However, the equipment is still functional, and can still provide protection to humanitarian aid workers in Ukraine.

“I am thrilled that we can once again donate surplus equipment to aid in humanitarian efforts abroad,” stated Mayor Kelly Burk. “We hope this equipment will keep those working abroad safe as they deliver veterinary care.”