SHERMAN, TX - County and city governments are not exempt from the current economic crisis and neither are the grants that they depend on to help offset equipment costs. When the Grayson County Sheriff's Office only got enough money to buy one bulletproof vest, one anonymous resident stepped up to help out.

On the agenda for Grayson County Commissioner’s Court this morning was an item to vote to accept a $15,000 donation to the Sheriff’s Office.

"It was for the purchase of bulletproof vests,” said Grayson County Judge Drue Bynum.

Unlike much of the equipment that deputies need, bulletproof vests have an expiration date. Moisture, dirt, and general wear and tear reduce the vests' ability to stop a bullet and save a life.

The vests, which cost between $800-$1,200 apiece, need to be replaced every 3 to 5 years. Most of the time, the cost is covered by a grant.

"An anonymous donor heard that when the grants came in we only had enough money to buy one vest, so he asked to see if he could help and sent us a check for $15,000 to buy the vests," said Lt. David Hawley of the Grayson County Sheriff's Office.

Hawley says it is always nice for peace officers to hear words of thanks for the difficult and dangerous job that they have chosen to do, but receiving this type of support from a resident is something else all together.

"When they spend their own money to protect our lives so that we can protect theirs, that is overwhelming,” said Hawley.

County Judge Drue Bynum says Grayson County residents always seem to find a way to take care of the needs of others.

"We see it every day around here, when there is a need the people find a way to solve the problem and I think it is a great testament to Grayson County."