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

Kimber 2K11
Kimber 2K11

Review: Kimber 2K11

The 2011-style pistol was designed to address the capacity limitations of the single-stack M1911 platform, and Kimber's approach to the concept is its 2K11, a competition-ready offering with several notable features.

Favorite Firearms: A High-Flying Hi-Standard “A-D”

Manufactured in New Haven, Conn., in late 1940, this Hi-Standard pistol was shipped as a Model “A,” but a heavier Model “D” barrel was installed later to replace the original, light barrel, leading one American Rifleman reader to call it a Model “A-D.”

Ruger Helps Families In Need Through The Kids & Clays Foundation

In the effort to help tens of thousands of critically ill children and their families across the nation through local Ronald McDonald Houses, Ruger is among some of the industry’s foremost Platinum-level sponsors of The Kids & Clays Foundation.

Unlocking The Future: Smith & Wesson's "No Lock" Revolvers

The future is shaping up to be a good one for fans of Smith & Wesson revolvers. The iconic American company had released 14 new models thus far in 2025 at the time this was written mid-year. And, with one exception, they have all shared a common feature—no internal lock.

The Armed Citizen® Oct. 6, 2025

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

FEMA Notes Decline In Disaster Preparedness

A recent report from the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) noted a decline in local government preparedness for natural disasters, putting increased pressure on individuals to prepare themselves for emergencies.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.