The Eufaula Police Department received potentially life-saving gifts recently from local businesswoman Mara McCoy – vests for each officer on the force.

McCoy, owner of McCoy Properties, presented the custom fit ballistic vests to the 13 members of the department on Sept. 24.

Each vest cost $1,000. “Several months ago, I was in uniform and gathering information at a local business when Ms. McCoy approached me and introduced herself and stated she was new to the area,” said Police Chief David Bryning. “I welcomed her to the area, and we began talking about the city.

“During our conversation, Ms. McCoy said she would be investing in the community, and she wanted to try and help where she could within our community.

“She said she would like to help the Police Department if we had equipment needs to help with the safety of our officers.”

Bryning thanked her and said he would talk to his men and get back with her.

“After going over the Department inventory and equipment needs, it was clear almost every one of the officer’s needed new ballistic vests, as they were either expired or in poor condition,” he said.

Bryning said he was hesitant about presenting McCoy with the request because of the expense of the equipment.

“I was told not to worry about the costs and was told to obtain every officer’s size so McCoy Properties could order custom made ballistic vests,” he said.

The chief was amazed at her generosity.

“As Police Chief I am overwhelmed with gratitude with our local business owners and community members who continue to go out of their way to support their Police Department and Officers who protect the community and visitors to our city.”