SCOTT COUNTY SHERIFF GETS $19,300 GIFT FOR GEAR

BENTON -- The Scott County Sheriff's Department received a $19,300 donation for equipment this week.

Connie Drury, the wife of officer Wes Drury, presented the check to the county's crime reduction fund. The donation will provide protective gear for the sheriff's department.

The $19,300 check was from a fund-raising drive that Drury began in February.

At least 1,000 letters were mailed to area businesses and individuals asking for donations.

Sheriff Bill Ferrell said in a prepared statement, "I knew the citizens of Scott County were aware of our limited resources and when Mrs. Drury wanted to undertake the effort, we wholeheartedly supported her."

More than 170 contributions were received from members of the Sheriff's Association, deputy sheriff Brenda Schiwitz said.

Donations were also received from citizens who don't live in Scott County, she said.

The sheriff's department purchased protective gear -- tactical entry vests, three riot shields and 11 riot helmets -- with the money.

"Hopefully, we won't need it," Schiwitz said. "But we do have problems escalating in Sikeston."

The vests are custom-made to fit individual officers and are constructed of several layers to provide the best protection for them. Schiwitz said the vests, which are worn over a uniform, are the first major investment for the department.

The total cost for the vests and tactical equipment is $14,500. The remainder of the money will be used by the department for purchasing additional equipment, she said.