The Peachtree City Police Department is once again raising money to purchase bulletproof vests for its officers.

The eight-member auxiliary unit of the force, all volunteers, is in charge of the fundraising. The group has raised more than $70,000 since 1989.

The department wants to purchase 50 vests at a cost of about $500 apiece. A number of new officers are now on the force, and older vests have begun to lose some of their effectiveness, although they are still useful, according to auxiliary officer Bryant Goss.

Older vests are donated to smaller police departments when the new vests are acquired.

Officers in Peachtree City are required to wear their vests at all times, and they are helpul not only to stop bullets, but also for protection against knife attacks and automobile accidents.

Businesses throughout Peachtree City are now being solicited by mail, Goss said. Any individual or company that contributes the full cost of a vest will have his or her name embroidered on the vest. All contributors will receive certificates of appreciation.

Goss pointed out that this is an excellent opportunity for residents to donate money to a worthy cause within their own community, while helping public servants continue to protect them.

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