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COLUMBIA (WACH) -- In-Vest USA presented bulletproof vests to two Midlands law enforcement agencies on Thursday.

A vest-presentation ceremony was held at the Law Enforcement Monument outside the State House.

Kershaw County Sheriff Jim Matthews and Pelion Police Chief Chris Garner accepted the vests for their agencies. Forty vests were given to Kershaw while six were presented to Pelion.

"Anytime you can save a human life particularly a police officer doing their job against the elements we have to battle everyday I think is a great credit," Chief Garner said.

Each vest will be fitted to the officer who will receive it.

Sheriff Matthews said he is excited for his officers and relieved.

“When I send my officers out on a shift I pat them on the back to see if they are wearing body armor and most aren’t and those who are wearing outdated or hand me down body army that I guess is better than nothing but it’s not what they need to do their jobs,” Sheriff Matthews added.

A bulletproof vest was credited with saving the live of a Columbia Police Officer who was shot in the chest April 27. You can read the full story here. 

In-Vest USA is a non-profit agency that relies on donations to purchase bulletproof vests for law enforcement officers.