Palm Coast Times

U.S. Congressmen Mike Waltz (R-FL) and Jared Moskowitz (D-FL) introduced the bipartisan Lifesaving Gear for Police Act of 2024 on Friday in Washington, D.C. The bill aims to ensure that law enforcement agencies nationwide regain access to critical equipment under the Department of Defense 1033 Program, which is essential for search and rescue operations, emergency and natural disaster response efforts, and active shooter situations.

The proposed legislation would prohibit the enforcement of any regulation or policy stemming from Executive Orders 13688 or 14074 that limits the sale, donation, or transfer of excess Department of Defense property to state and local law enforcement agencies unless enacted into law by Congress. It also seeks to prevent the use of federal funds to implement these regulations without congressional authorization and establish requirements for reissuing recalled or seized property at no cost to law enforcement agencies.

“Our law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every day to protect us, and they deserve the best tools available to do their job safely and effectively,” said Rep. Waltz. “The Lifesaving Gear for Police Act of 2024 ensures that no executive order will ever again stand in the way of law enforcement receiving the equipment they need to protect themselves and our communities.”

Rep. Moskowitz added, “When we send police officers to protect and serve, it is critical that we provide them with the appropriate resources to keep themselves and our communities safe. I’m pleased to work in a bipartisan manner with Congressman Waltz.”

The bill has garnered strong support from various law enforcement organizations. Bill Prummell, President of the Florida Sheriffs Association and Charlotte County Sheriff, praised it: “The Florida Sheriffs Association strongly supports the Lifesaving Gear for Police Act of 2024.” Bill Johnson, Executive Director of the National Association of Police Organizations, also voiced his support: “Programs like the Department of Defense’s 1033 program have been vital resources.”

Jim Skinner, Chairman of the National Sheriffs Association Government Affairs Committee and Sheriff of Collin County, Texas, commented on its importance: “Allowing surplus DoD equipment to be used for Search and Rescue helps make our communities safer.”

Local sheriffs across Florida echoed similar sentiments. Mike Chitwood, Sheriff of Volusia County; T.K. Waters, Sheriff of Duval County; Robert Hardwick, Sheriff of St. John’s County; Peyton Grinnell, Sheriff of Lake County; Wayne Ivey, Sheriff of Brevard County; Chip Simmons, Sheriff of Escambia County; Grady Judd, Sheriff of Polk County; Chris Nocco, Sherriff of Pasco County—all expressed their strong support for maintaining access to this critical equipment through the proposed legislation.