Big Sandy Superstores has donated $2,000 to help buy new bullet-proof vests for the Lawrence County Sheriff's Office.

"I'm glad to be able to help out the sheriff's office," said Big Sandy Superstores Loss Prevention Director Steve Jordan. "I'm glad to do something to make it a little safer for the officers."

Jordan said he recently witnessed the sheriff's deputies in action on a loss prevention case and was impressed by their professionalism.

Lawrence County Sheriff Tim Sexton began soliciting donations earlier this year to use as a local match to draw federal funds for the new vests. The federal government will pay 41 percent toward the cost of new vests.

Sexton said, so far, his new vest fund drive has accumulated $9,000, which is about what is needed to buy 35 vests at $475 each.

Sexton said if he gets more money than what he needs for his own officers, he will spend the extra money to purchase new vests for officers in other Lawrence County law enforcement agencies.

"It's important the officers have this safety equipment," Sexton said. "I really want to say thank you to Big Sandy and to all of the others who have donated money for these new vests."