| Roane County's fund-raising efforts to raise $6,500 for bulletproof vests for the county sheriff's department and the Spencer Police Department have been successful.
Spencer Marketing Director Jacob Fetty says the fundraiser has actually exceeded the goal, with additional funds to be used for other police equipment.
The issue of a lack of bulletproof vests or outdated ones surfaced following the deaths of two state policemen and gunshots injuring Roane deputy John Westfall. Westfall's life was likely saved by a bulletproof vest.
Fetty said donations came from all over the USA, in addition to local ones.
Westfall, his arm in a sling, appeared before the Roane Commission with other officers, asking for funding for other equipment that would protect the department.
Westfall, while attending the meeting, said "I haven't had so much help in my life. We just live in a very good place."
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