Businessman's Gift To Help Rogers County Deputies Stay Safe

NewsOn6.com

ROGERS COUNTY -- A local business owner has donated funds to provide bullet proof vests to the Rogers County Sheriff's Office. Reed Oppenheimer, who operates a sports complex, made a $5,000 donation through Oppenheimer Brothers Foundation.

Sheriff Scott Walton said the donation could not have come at a better time.

"We're in tough economic times," Walton said. "We're doing everything we can to keep basic operations going, and we really had no resources to purchase equipment that's needed."

Oppenheimer said he made the donation after learning some of the deputies were wearing outdated vests. Deputies were patrolling the county, and many were wearing vests which were no longer effective, according to Walton.

"These deputies are putting themselves in danger every day and they need the basic equipment to keep them safe," Sheriff Walton said.

"Some of them were wearing the equivalent of a leather coat. We're extremely grateful for this gift."

"I saw an opportunity to help and I took it," said Oppenheimer, a Rogers County resident.

"Our law enforcement needs all the help the community can give and I'm glad that I was able to help where I could."

He encouraged other members of the community to make a donation to benefit Rogers County law enforcement.