Island County Police Donate 160 Expired Vests to Ukraine

Local law enforcement agencies collected and shipped 160 expired bulletproof vests to international aid channels supporting civilian protection in Ukraine, officials said. The transfer was completed on November 15, 2025 and involved coordination among the Oak Harbor Police Department, the Anacortes Police Department and the Skagit County Sheriff’s Office. The vests had reached the end of manufacturers’ recommended service life for domestic law enforcement use, which is typically five years, prompting their replacement locally.

Departments routinely retire body armor when manufacturers’ guidelines indicate an expiration date, a safety protocol intended to ensure officers wear gear that meets tested performance standards. Oak Harbor Police Chief Kevin Dresker noted that degradation can vary depending on usage and conditions. While expired according to those guidelines, the vests can still provide meaningful protection in other contexts, and local agencies opted to make them available to humanitarian aid efforts rather than dispose of them.

The donation effort repurposes equipment that would otherwise be taken out of service for domestic policing, while maintaining the county’s commitment to officer safety by replacing retired vests with current gear. Logistics were handled locally to transfer the expired body armor into established international aid channels, which then direct protective equipment to civilians and volunteer responders in Ukraine amid ongoing conflict. Officials described the action as a practical contribution that aligns with both safety protocols and humanitarian concerns.

For Island County residents the donation has multiple local implications. Replacing expired vests assures continued compliance with safety standards for officers who patrol city streets and county roads. At the same time the transfer of retired gear to international aid efforts reflects community values about assisting civilians in conflict zones and making prudent use of public resources. The decision may also resonate with residents who have family or cultural ties to Ukraine, and it underscores the local dimensions of global crises.

The move raises broader questions about the lifecycle of protective equipment and how communities can responsibly manage surplus when domestic regulations require retirement. By coordinating the collection and transfer of expired vests, Island County law enforcement agencies demonstrated a model for balancing regulatory compliance, officer safety and humanitarian outreach. As the conflict in Ukraine continues to drive demand for protective gear, local donations such as this one will likely remain a pragmatic way for municipalities to contribute to civilian protection overseas while maintaining standards at home.