Fear & Loading: Safariland Armor Saves No. 2000

For 45 years Safariland Group, through its Saves Club, has recognized officers who have survived a life-threatening incident while wearing the company’s armor or protective gear. Late last year New Castle, Ind., K-9 police officer Brandy Pierce became the 2000th member.

On Sept. 24, 2017, officer Pierce and her K-9, Lex, responded to a call of someone breaking into vehicles. The suspect fled on a bicycle when the officer arrived, but the escape attempt was stopped after she released the dog. When she approached to apprehend the subject, however, he shot her in the chest with a handgun at close range. Safariland’s level II armor stopped the bullet and allowed her to stay in the fight.

She was treated at the hospital and has returned to full duty. “As an officer, it’s something you prepare for an understand it a daily possibility,” she said. “Every day, when I put on my armor, I’m reminded of what could have been without its protection, and I’m grateful to still be here to continue the work that I do.”

“We are humbled to recognize these brave men and women such as officer Pierce, who put their lives on the line every day,” said Scott O’Brien, president of Safariland. “Working with our partners, we continue to innovate and engineer best-in-class armor products to protect those who protest us. We truly live by our Company mission, ‘Together, We Save Lives,’ and our goal is to ensure those wearing our products return home to their families after their shifts.”

Armor Technical Specialist and Saves Club Manager for Safariland, Ed Hinchey said, “Two-thousand lives saved with our armor is an incredible milestone, but these individuals are much more than just a number to us. We are honored to say they have become part of the Safariland family and serve as daily reminders that what we do makes a difference.”