Los Angeles will donate surplus LAPD ballistic helmets, vests to Ukraine

The Los Angeles City Council Friday approved the donation of surplus police department ballistic helmets and vests to a foundation that will deliver the equipment to Ukraine for its army to use in defense against Russia.

The 526 helmets and 378 vests will be donated to the First-In Fire Foundation, which will be responsible for the shipment and delivery to Ukraine. The department said the items are prepared in pallets and ready for immediate shipping.

“The equipment has no value to the LAPD,” Chief Michel Moore wrote in a letter to the Los Angeles Police Commission, which also approved the donation. The equipment was going to be destroyed after exceeding the manufacturer’s five-year warranty.

Moore added that Mayor Eric Garcetti “is aware of this donation and fully supports the transfer of the equipment to aid the Ukrainian people.”

Both the commission and the City Council passed the motion without discussion.