COLUMBIA (WACH) -- Columbia police officers will be able to hit the streets a little safer thanks to a major donation from Wal-Mart.

Wal-Mart and In-Vest USA presented a $15,000 check to the Columbia Police Department to purchase life-saving body armor.

The donation will provide 25 bulletproof vests, giving police officers extra peace of mind when they hit the streets.

"Our law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every day for very little gratitude often times and we want to be able to let them know the community supports them we appreciate them, says Michael Letts, President of In-Vest USA, "we thank them for protecting us and we want to make sure they come home safely to their families."

Last month, Officer Alex Broder, was shot while making a traffic stop in Shandon, and if he had not been wearing a bulletproof vest he would have died.

"They're a great benefit, says Columbia Police Chief Randy Scott, "even if it was five vests, thats five more that we're able to put to protect our officers on the street" 

The vests are purchased through In-Vest USA, each cost approximately $650 wholesale.