Essex County Sheriff’s Office announces $162,000 “transformative gift” to buy 150 bulletproof vests
NEWARK, NJ __ The Essex County Sheriff’s Office says it has received what it calls a “transformative gift” that will pay for 150 bulletproof vests for officers throughout the county.
The pledge of $162,894 comes from Dr. Caesar DePaço, a businessman who serves as Law Enforcement Liaison Officer with the Somerset County Sheriff’s Office, Law Enforcement Division – Administration, a news release from Essex County said on Thursday.
This commitment will enhance officer safety and “highlights the growing partnerships between law enforcement agencies in New Jersey,” the press release said.
“This donation is a powerful investment in the officers who put their lives on the line for Essex County every day,” said Essex County Sheriff Amir D. Jones. “Thanks to Dr. DePaço’s generosity, we can ensure our officers are protected with the most advanced safety equipment available. Officer safety is not a luxury—it’s a necessity.”
Essex County will immediately move to procure the vests, with Jones and Executive Undersheriff Arthur Jorge working in coordination with DePaço to ensure timely and efficient distribution.
DePaço is the founder and CEO of Summit Nutritionals International, a leader in manufacturing chondroitin sulfate sodium, a supplement used by humans and pets. The DePaço Foundation, where he serves as president, supports law enforcement and their efforts across the country. He said this latest contribution was a duty, not an act of charity.
“I hold the highest regard for the men and women who serve with integrity and courage. Providing each officer with the necessary protective equipment is not a charitable gesture; it is a solemn responsibility,” DePaço said in the news release.
Since 2013, the foundation has donated $10 million to law enforcement agencies across the U.S. and abroad, the release said.
Jones Administration Focus
Jones, a lifelong Essex County resident, was sworn in in January 2025, becoming the first African-American sheriff in county history.
The partnership announced Thursday marks one of the first large-scale donations under his administration. It “reflects his vision to prioritize officer wellness, community trust, and resource accessibility since taking office earlier this year.”
The sheriff’s office said the department is focused on key pillars:
- Community Engagement: Launched new Community Engagement Team to maintain year-round outreach to build trust, visibility and connection with residents. The Office held its first-ever ‘Back-to-School Giveaway,’ which served hundreds of families.
- Mental Health & Internal Wellness Culture: Fosters a culture of wellness throughout the department with peer support tools, mental health resources and direct pathways to internal care. Countywide resources are shared across the office’s digital platforms.
- Officer Wellness & Protection: Besides the bulletproof vest funding, this pillar prioritizes officer safety and wellness through a culture of internal support, resource access and meaningful investment.
- Crime Reduction Through Innovation & Collaboration: Led a 9-day warrant sweep in partnership with the county Prosecutor’s Office resulting in 56 arrests for serious violent offenses, and joined multiple agencies in a federal takedown charging 30 individuals in Newark. Demonstrates department’s strong commitment to proactive, coordinated law enforcement.
- Public Safety Modernization & Technology Expansion: Introduced department drones and new motorcycles to increase mobility, tactical efficiency, and event response. Launched “Ask the Sheriff,” a digital Q&A series designed to increase transparency and open communication with the public.
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