Non-profit Shield616 donates top of the line safety gear to local officers

Years ago, a local man saw a need for increased officer safety. He recently created the non-profit Shield616 and today for the first time the group was able to donate new safety equipment to local law enforcement.

“We saw all the violence happened at the end of 2015. Just here locally and then just yesterday in Orlando, you saw how important this gear is for the true first responders,” said Jake Skifstad, founder of Shield616.

Skifstad says tragedy in Orlando hits close to home. It’s also a reminder of the November Planned Parenthood attacks.

“I hope it never happens in our community again. But being at Planned Parenthood that day, I really wish I had this equipment with me that day. I really do,” said officer Brandon Castro.

Castro was one of the first to respond to the Planned Parenthood attacks. He is now equipped with the best protection including a ballistic vest and hat thanks to Shield616 and his sponsor.

“We just thought you know these men and women are out on the streets day and night while we’re sleeping. We want to help them have the best equipment possible to keep themselves alive,” said Marlen Wells, sponsor.

Every single kit is donated by a different sponsor who volunteered to donate. The kit includes various safety gear that’s worth $1,000.

“It includes a ballistic helmet, ballistic glasses, a vest with rifle related armor.They’re getting a optic so they can see their threat from a distance away. They’re getting a gun shot wound trauma kit and also a gas mask pouch,” said Skifstad.

The goal is to keep officers safe and also create a relationship between them and the community.

“It’s amazing that the community will go out there and sponsor us with this equipment that we need. As an officer of 20 years I really appreciate this,” said Castro.

Shield616 will distribute 52 more vests this week. Their goal is to eventually raise enough money for every local officer to be equipped.

For more information on Shield616 click here.