ATHENS — Officers with the Limestone County Office of Corrections recently received survival armor ballistic and stab-resistant protective vests thanks to funding from the upcoming Limestone County Sheriff’s Rodeo.

“The safety of our corrections officers is of the utmost importance to our department,” said Capt. Tammy Waddell. “This additional layer of protection will allow them to perform their duties safer during their shifts.”

This year’s “Vesting Up for Safety” program is part of a tradition in which the annual rodeo has provided law enforcement with patrol vehicles, duty gear, facility equipment, aircraft maintenance, shooting ranges and more.

The 41st annual rodeo is May 19-20. For tickets, click here.

The rodeo is a nonprofit organization of sheriff’s office employees and reserve deputies who are invested in improving law enforcement and community service.

“Our award-winning detention facility continues to focus on safety and training for our corrections officers,” said Sheriff Joshua McLaughlin. “We strive to be the safest detention center, and adding this lifesaving layer for our corrections officers keeps us moving in that direction.”