The Texarkana, Texas Police Department received some good news on Friday Oct. 4, at 5PM, the Texas-side police will receive 83 sets of potentially life-saving all day rifle rated gear, in partnership with Shield 616 and the ESPN First Responder Bowl.
:According to a press release, on September 16, ESPN announced the partnership with Shield 616. This 3-year partnership starts with 616 officers and deputies, over the state of Texas and Oklahoma, getting outfitted with all day rifle rated protection. The specific gear that will be provided during the First Responder Bowl, costs a total of $2,100 per Law Enforcement Officer. This includes; 1 Angel Armor carrier, 1 level lIlA soft vest, front and back level lllA rifle plates, and a Revision Batlskin helmet. The total amount to outfit the Texarkana Police Department is $174,300. This gear was provided by a generous donor from Dallas, Texas.

On Monday, December 30, at 11AM, the Texarkana Police Department Officers will be represented at the First Responder Bowl halftime show, at the Southern Methodist University, Gerald J. Ford Stadium, at 5800 Ownby Drive, Dallas Texas. Shield 616 was formed with the peace officer on patrol in mind.

In a statement from Shawn M. Vaughn, TTPD Public Information Officer, "We have since seen the need to help protect all first responders. The goal of Shield 616 is two-fold. First, we want to equip every first responder with necessary advanced all-day rifle rated equipment. Second, we want to provide a support group for that first responder who will pray for the first responder and his or her family on a daily basis and provide the first responder with support and encouragement throughout the year. Shield 616 is mindful of limited department budgets. Not only will all gear be donated; it will be replaced every five years at no cost to any first responder or department. Shield 616 is unique and was formed with the vision of having local individuals, churches, bible study groups, businesses and foundations “invest in a first responder” not only financially but also personally."

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