KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Michigan State Representative Christine Morse of Texas Township introduced House Bill 6407, which is a public service safety bill on Thursday, September 22.
If passed, the bill would appropriate almost $25 million to fund the purchase and installation of bulletproof windows and doors for Michigan State Police Cruisers. The legislation also would create a competitive grant program for the same installation process for local police department vehicles.
The introduction of the bill comes a little over a year after the death of Kalamazoo County Sheriff Sergeant Ryan J. Proxmire, who was shot and killed in his patrol vehicle during a chase on August 14, 2021.
“With the death of Sergeant Ryan Proxmire in August of 2021, our community sought a productive response in the face of tragedy,” said Morse. “I introduced House Bill 6407 so that local departments have the option to take increased safety measures, as best fits their circumstances. This legislation is our way of showing commitment to protecting the safety of public servants across the state.”
Kalamazoo County Sheriff Richard Fuller spoke in support of the bill and said, “This bill being introduced by Representative Morse is a life-saving measure. The gun violence we are seeing has increased in the last several years. Officers and deputies are involved in investigations and attempt to stop a significant number of violent situations. My duty as a sheriff is to advocate for and help develop new methods of keeping the women and men of law enforcement safe. The introduction of a bullet-resistant windshield will help in this fight. A worthy fight. One to keep our peacekeepers safe.”
