The Boothbay Region Elementary and High schools will soon receive Maine-made backpacks that police believe could save lives in a school shooting.

The Boothbay Harbor Police Department will distribute the Mundbora Body Shield backpacks at the two schools on Wednesday, Chief Doug Snyder announced Monday.

Over 100 bags are to be distributed between the two schools, Snyder said in an email to the Press Herald on Monday night. He secured over $23,600 in grant funding to cover the costs, he said, noting the donors wish to remain anonymous.

Snyder said the backpacks are “akin to a smoke detector” that can be used in a physical assault, including a knife attack or shooting.

“The backpacks provide an extra layer of protection, allowing teachers and staff to use them as shields if necessary — either when evacuating or confronting a threat,” Snyder said in his announcement. “It is believed that these backpacks can save lives.”

Each room in both schools will received a backpack, he said.

The chief said there have not been any incidents that prompted the addition of the backpacks, but his department is always working with schools “to make sure we are prepared for any incidents.”

Mundbora Inc., based in Maine, was founded by Jeff Maguire, whom Snyder said he met at a recent meeting of police chiefs in the region. Snyder said he was impressed by Maguire’s “passion” for the project.

According to the company’s website, the backpacks are handcrafted by members of northern Maine’s Amish community.

Maguire could not be reached for comment Monday night. Robert Kahler, superintendent of AOS 98, did not respond Monday night to questions sent via email.

AOS 98 serves the communities of Boothbay, Boothbay Harbor, Edgecomb, Georgetown and Southport.