WARRENTON, Va. — Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares launched an effort to collect old and expired equipment and tools from law enforcement to help with Israeli military in the war against Hamas.
In his letter, Miyares asked all 123 sheriffs in the commonwealth to consider giving surplus body armor, protective gear, and tactical equipment to help the Israel Defense Forces.
“While I’m aware that some police departments are stretched for resources, there are many departments that have expired equipment that are required to be donated or discarded,” Miyares said in his letter.
Miyares didn’t specify exactly how the gear will be distributed, but during a Fairfax County GOP rally, he said his office has a volunteer coordinator.
“My hope is other AG's around the country, a couple of others have reached out around the country hat have an interest in possibly replicating,” Miyares told WUSA9.
Miyares said the reception has been positive and great from different sheriff’s departments.
Among them is the Fauquier County Sheriff’s Office, which decided to participate in the effort on Wednesday morning.
The staff began going through the supplies to collect expired ballistic vests, helmets, and tactical equipment. So far, they’ve collected more than 60 ballistic vests, 40 additional pieces of body armor, and bins full of tactical gear.
FCSO is also asking deputies to donate any excess personal gear they may have.
“Being able to service another country in their efforts, I think is going to bring a lot of pride to the people of our agency,” Lt. Col. Chad Brubaker of FCSO said. “It's an ocean away but if we're able to help in some sort of way, I know for me personally, that gives me a sense of purpose.”
Brubaker hopes by joining the effort, it will help motivate other members of the community to help in some capacity.
In most cases, the old equipment is either used for training or thrown away.
Brubaker added, “We rather not do that."