THIBODAUX – All police officers at Nicholls State University were issued custom-fitted body armor vests on Monday, May 14.
“This is an administrative goal that we are proud to have accomplished,” Craig Jaccuzzo, director of university police, said. “The recent shooting of a campus police officer at Virginia Tech was a wake-up call. All police officers, no matter their jurisdiction, need proper protection.”
Jaccuzzo said throughout his 23 years of experience with various law enforcement agencies, he was never issued equipment of this quality.
“The vests we had years ago were not only cumbersome and uncomfortable, but we had to pay for them ourselves,” Jaccuzzo said. “I am very gratified that our officers will receive comfortable, state-of-the-art armor procured by the university.”
Manufactured by Second Chance Body Armor, the “Type IIIA” vests cost $687 each and were purchased from a Lafayette-based company – Barney’s Police Supplies.
“The Nicholls administration is committed to the safety of our officers,” Dr. Eugene Dial, vice president for student affairs and enrollment services, said. “These vests are top quality – a welcome addition to University Police.”
To learn more about the gear, go to secondchance.com. For additional information about University Police, go to www.nicholls.edu/police.