Precinct 3 Constable, Gardner, approved for new vests
By Kenny Mitchell
At their regular meeting held on July 13, 2026, Bowie County Commissioners Court approved a Bulletproof Vest Partnership grant through the U.S. Department of Justice that will reimburse the county for half of the cost to purchase a bulletproof vest for Precinct 3 Constable Dillon Gardner.
Th$326.23 grant through the U.S. Department of Justice’s Patrick Leahy Bulletproof Vest Partnership Program will ensure that Constable Gardner will be protected by a new vest in accordance with Texas mandates, without any additional taxation burden on the citizens of Bowie County.
Constable Gardner will wear the vest during his hours of service to the people of Bowie County during patrol, civil-process service, court security, traffic stops, emergency calls for service, and other official law-enforcement duties.
Body armor is an essential piece of safety equipment because officers may encounter dangerous and unpredictable situations with little or no warning.
Constable Gardner states, “I want to save the taxpayers in our area as much money as possible while still making sure I have the equipment needed to safely serve the public. This grant reduces the cost to Bowie County and helps protect me while I am responding to calls, conducting traffic stops, and carrying out my daily constable duties.”
The Precinct 3 Constable’s Office completed and submitted its own application for the funding. The Bowie County Commissioners Court approved the grant and the county’s participation in the reimbursement process. TCOLE rules require law-enforcement agencies to provide officers on duty with bullet-resistant vests that meet National Institute of Justice standards and remain within the manufacturer’s ballistic-performance warranty period. Most vest models have a recommended service life of approximately five years, making regular replacement necessary for officer safety and continued compliance. This award applies to the purchase of this specific vest. However, the Bulletproof Vest Partnership is an ongoing federal program, and eligible agencies may apply for future funding as replacement needs arise.
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