By Kim Glovas

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A local businessman with a family connection to the Philadelphia Police Department has made a generous donation to keep our men and women in blue protected.

Maureen Rush is president of the Philadelphia Police Foundation, which provides additional, non-budgeted gear and training for city police officers. She says the foundation has received seed money from Joseph Carlini, CEO of the Philadelphia-based McKean Defense Group and a foundation member.

"And the intersting thing here is Joe is donating $26,000 in total to purchase 30 vests, and he's doing it not only as a board member, but he's doing it in honor of his father, who spent eighteen years with the Philadelphia Police Department.  So it's a very touching gift," Rush (at lectern in photo) said.

She says bulletproof vests remain effective for only five years, so there is a constant need to replace them.  She is hoping that others in the community -- including  residents and those in the business community -- will help in the fundraising effort.  To learn more go to phillypolicefoundation.org.