Fear & Loading: Safariland Armor Saves No. 2000

by
posted on January 5, 2018
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
saves.jpg

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.”

Latest

Hk G36 22Lr 1
Hk G36 22Lr 1

Gun of the Week: Heckler & Koch G36 .22 LR

Due to Germany's strict firearm-export laws, along with U.S. firearm import laws, the closest any HK fan could get to owning a real G36 was in the form of the HK SL8. Now, though, Heckler & Koch has introduced its G36 .22 LR, which, profile-wise, is a G36 in all but chambering.

The Armed Citizen® July 17, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

A Visit to the New Smith & Wesson Academy

Let the training (re)commence at Smith & Wesson's new Academy in Tennessee.

New for 2026: Leupold LCO Pro F2 Red-Dot Sight

The optic giant has updated its flagship red-dot sight with a host of upgraded features.

Rifleman Review: Heckler & Koch CC9

When Heckler & Koch USA launched its micro-compact CC9, it proved to be one of the most robustly built micro-compact handguns yet made.

Beyond the Headlines on Armed Citizen Stories

Concealed carriers in the U.S. commit almost no crimes with their lawfully owned firearms. Armed citizens do, however, stop a lot of crimes.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.