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HENDERSON COUNTY, Texas (KETK)— The Henderson County Commissioners Court approved two grant applications on Tuesday, designated to improve safety for deputies and enhance vehicle protection.

The grants will provide the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office with funding to add bullet-resistant components to vehicles, including bulletproof windshields and other ballistic glass upgrades.

Additionally, the court also approved an annual application to cover half the costs of new bulletproof vests for deputies. This is a recurring grant that the county applies for regularly to maintain safety equipment for law enforcement officers. Both grants will be applied to the 2026 fiscal year.

“This is a fairly new program that the Governor’s Office and Legislature just approved,” Sheriff Botie Hillhouse said. “This is the first year where they’re making it available for all law enforcement.”

After the commissioners’ court approves it, the state will make $5 million available for the program. The grant requires no local match, meaning the county will not need to contribute additional funds if approved.

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