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Hundreds of Chicago police officers receive new bulletproof vests

Chicago police officers receive new bulletproof vests
Chicago police officers receive new bulletproof vests 00:44

CHICAGO (CBS) - Chicago police officers are getting brand new bulletproof vests on Wednesday.

The 500 vests were handed out at an event on Wednesday.  

The Chicago Police Memorial Foundation bought the vests with help from U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley who helped secure funding. The Chicago Police Memorial Foundation reported receiving $540,000 in federal funding for the vests.

"As officers, we hope that we never need the vest," said Chief Angel Novalez. "But as I learned ... man we are so happy to have one."

The Chicago Police Memorial Fund began its initiative in 2014 to get more officers bulletproof vests and has bought more than 13,000 thanks to donations.

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