CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Two deputies at the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office are sporting new looks after a demand for change.

They’re the first at the department to test out outer carrier vests, which seemed to become controversial from surrounding agencies.

What You Need To Know

  •  The Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office recently purchased outer carrier vests for deputies

  •  "They are investing in us now," deputies from the MCSO said, reacting to the purchase of new vests

  •  Sheriff Garry McFadden said the vests provide more than protection but also a level of moral support 

"We have been heard, and I feel that they are investing in us now," said Deputy F. Martinez, who is one of many who begged for the change in body armor. Martinez only discloses her first initial for safety purposes.

Much like other vests, the department said they provide a similar level of ballistic protection, but unlike the other vests, deputies explained that they help with other problem areas.

For Martinez it was her lower back, a place she had pain for years, despite making other efforts to provide relief through doctors visits and physical therapy.

"I did ask what was the next step? They told me surgery, and with the surgery, thankfully, it was successful. I mean, it was so bad that I wasn't able to sleep at night," Martinez said.

While Deputy Quincy Durant never experienced the back pain, he said the vests provide a level of moral and physical support when taking dangerous calls.

"A huge relief. I think our agencies, the deputies, ourselves was wanting to get these vests for years now," Durant said.

That's support deputies said they need, especially after the April 29 tragedy, when four law enforcement officers were shot and killed in Charlotte.

"April 29 would be a date is etched in all of our minds, probably to the end of our career," Durant said.

It's a day Martinez also feels the impact.

"I think that day affected everyone in every way because we look at each other as brothers and sisters,” she said.

According to Sheriff Garry McFadden, the department purchased 80 vests and plans to buy more depending on how deputies feel.

McFadden said each vest costs roughly $300 but said you can’t put a price for those who are keeping our community safe.

In July, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Chief Johnny Jennings expressed disapproval of the carrier vests after some of his officers were shown sporting the vests at the Republican National Convention. Jennings was later criticized by the Fraternal Order of Police for his stance on the vests.