A charity organization with the mission of “protecting and serving those who serve and protect,” made a generous donation of 10 ballistic vests to the Billings Police Department.
Shield616 presented the vests on Tuesday at Scheels on Billings West End.
The sporting goods store donated about $28,000 dollars toward the gear.
“The inspiration and support felt today by our officers was incredible. We cannot express enough gratitude for such an amazing gift,” said Sgt. Jeff Stovall of the Billings Police Department.
Shield 616 hopes to eventually provide all Billings Police officers with upgraded protective armor.
“We are mindful that many departments have limited budgets. Because of that, our goal is not only to provide initial protection but to replace the gear every five years — at no cost to the peace officer, first responder, or department,” the organization’s website states.
Shield616 partners with Angel Armor to provide rifle-rated armor.
“When armor gets handed down from officer to officer, it is often too big, too small, or expired,” Shield616 explained in a social media post.
To learn more about the organization, click here.