May 3, 2022 – Santa Fe College’s Institute of Public Safety (IPS) has gotten involved in Ukraine’s effort to defend themselves in the midst of Russia’s invasion. IPS staff recently donated 20 sets of surplus body armor vests to Rotary International chapters in Ukraine.
The donation was facilitated by the Rotary Club of Greater Gainesville in an effort to protect Ukraine’s Rotary members who are providing aid nationwide in the middle of active war zones. According to Gainesville Rotary member Jack Jacobs, who is retired from the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, body armor is a much-needed commodity in Ukraine right now. “Our Rotary brothers and sisters literally are on the front lines, day and night, seven days a week, providing critical assistance in very dangerous conditions,” said Jacobs. “Gainesville Rotary members cannot join in the fight directly, but we can give our brethren some amount of protection by outfitting them with body armor.”
IPS staff are grateful for the opportunity to partner with Rotary. “Donating body armor to those in need—to people whose purpose is to serve others—goes hand-in-hand with our mission at IPS,” said Jerry Hunter, who oversees law enforcement and corrections programs at IPS. “At the very least, the vests will provide peace-of-mind to those who wear it, and at best this equipment could save lives.”
IPS Director Tom Ackerman echoed Hunter’s sentiments. “We have plenty to be thankful for at IPS—including our ability to do something as meaningful as this,” said Ackerman. “Protecting others is in our bloodstream.”