EDWARDSVILLE, IL (KMOX) - With criminals arming themselves with more high-powered weapons, some local first responders are about to get better protection.

The Madison County Board tonight is expected to approve spending $45,000 to buy 75 heavy-duty bulletproof vests and helmets, enough for all the county’s deputies, detectives, and courthouse security personnel.

Sheriff Robert Hertz tells KMOX the new vests will be put on over traditional vests in certain situations: “In the event of an active shooter situation, where we’re facing firearms that are pretty high-powered or assault-type weapons, rifles.”

Hertz says deputies won’t be wearing the new vests constantly. “It’s something that you would want to throw on when you know you are potentially going to encounter a firefight, sort to speak, with a suspect armed with a high-powered rifle.”

Hertz says the vests and helmets are being paid for with funds left over from last year’s budget.