Local groups donate bullet proof vests for BASD security
School officials were on hand Thursday unveil new bullet proof vests purchased by the security team thanks to donations from the UHVA and the Bellwood Eagles. Pictured from left to right are Heather McClellan, Eagles President, Sandy Beech, Jeff Hannah, Tim Mercer, Thomas Evanskey, Fraternal Order of Eagles #1859 representative, Benjamin Fetterman, United Veterans Home Association representative, and B-A Superintendent Mr. Edward DiSabato.
January 12, 2023
Through the UVHA (United Veterans Home Association) Club and The Eagles Club (Fraternal order of Eagles #1859) generosities, the Bellwood-Antis School District recently purchased bullet proof vests for the BASD security team.
The district held a press conference on Thursday, with representatives from each organization on hand to present the district with the vests.
Officer Tim Mercer, who leads the B-A security team, believes that this will add another level of protection for school officers in the event of an emergency.
“In my opinion, what those two organizations did was they made a significant investment for the safety of our students and staff,” he said.
Bullet proof vests were not in the budget for this school year, but the clubs’ partnerships and support provided enough funds for the school to be able provide them.
Three vests, each being $915, in total were purchased for Officer Mercer, Officer Jeff Hanna, and Officer Brad Hershey.
The district and security are extremely grateful for the continuous support from organizations and their cooperation with the safety of the school.
Mr. Mercer believes, “This is what make’s Bellwood’s community so great.”
