BENTON -- The wife of a Scott County sheriff's deputy is leading fund-raising efforts to purchase bullet-proof vests for county deputies.

Connie Drury, wife of head jailer Wesley Drury, has made the effort a personal project.

"The deputies have been lucky so far," she said. "I want to give them this added protection before something tragic happens and someone is seriously hurt or killed."

Drury has sent a plea to area residents and businesses to help in raising funds for the vests or protective coats.

"These law enforcement officers lay their lives on the line daily for our protection," Drury said. "The reason I refer to this as a personal plea is because I am the wife of one of these officers and the mother of our three small children.

"There is not a day goes by that I don't pray for his safety, and for that matter, the safety of his coworkers. They are valuable, selfless people who serve Scott County citizens," Drury said.

Sheriff Bill Ferrell said he is delighted with the effort to purchase protective vests for his officers, something they don't have now.

At least 10 vests are needed, the sheriff said. Price quotes on the protective vests range from $600 to $1,200.

The sheriff said the department will purchase the best vests for the most deputies with the money raised.

Contributions can be made to the Scott County Crime Reduction Fund and sent directly to the Scott County Sheriff's Department, P.O. Box 279, Benton, Mo. 63736.