Body armor for Belmont & Gastonia Police

August 25, 2016

The Belmont and Gastonia police departments have become the latest agencies to benefit from the goodwill of Parkdale Mills. President and CEO Andy Warlick donated five ultra-strong body armor vests, valued at $2,000, to Belmont police on behalf of the company late last month. And the textile manufacturer is now contributing more than $38,000 to help Gastonia police purchase upward of 95 more body armor vests.

In addition, Belmont has also received another $2,000 donation from an anonymous donor to purchase five additional vests, said Belmont Police Capt. Basil Marett.

Marett said he can’t emphasize enough how thankful police have been for the assistance.

“We truly appreciate the support we’re getting from citizens who see the dangers we have in our jobs and want to help us protect others,” he said. “These (vests) will help us make sure our officers are safe if they get into a critical situation involving an active shooter.”

Last month, Gaston County commissioners announced their intent to buy stronger bulletproof vests that could be used as needed by county police officers and sheriff’s office deputies. The body armor can be worn over regular protective vests that most officers have, but added benefit comes from the lightweight, 5 mm-thick steel plates that can stop bullets from high-velocity weapons.

After the county announcement, Warlick contacted Commission Chairman Tom Keigher and informed him Parkdale Mills would be donating $82,000 to pay for about 200 of the stronger vests. That freed up county money, prompting the commissioners to spend $21,600 on 55 stronger bulletproof vests that can be worn by Gaston Emergency Medical Services paramedics.

Vests that have been purchased to date with donations from Parkdale Mills have come from Premier Body Armor in Kings Mountain. Each vest weighs a little more than 15 pounds, and when not being worn can be carried from place to place in a special case.

The full story can be found at the Gaston Gazette.


Leave a comment

Comments will be approved before showing up.


Also in Premier Body Armor Blog

outdoor cooking over a fire
The Essential Guide to Bushcraft Cooking: Gear, Techniques, and Tips

May 01, 2024

This bushcraft cooking guide explores essential techniques and gear for cooking over open flames, ensuring your meals are not only nourishing but also a highlight of your outdoor experience.
Read More
outdoor medical care and first aid guide
Bushcraft First Aid: Emergency Medical Care in the Wilderness

May 01, 2024

This bushcraft first aid guide covers everything from building an effective wilderness first aid kit to differentiating between wilderness and urban first aid practices, ensuring you're equipped to handle any emergency with confidence.
Read More
Understand all the body armor levels from a 3a soft armor vest to a level 4 body armor tactical vest. Whether you're looking for ballistic armor or a plate carrier setup, this blog explains everything with body armor.
Understanding Body Armor Ratings

April 17, 2024

Do you know the level of protection your body armor provides? We break down the body armor ratings and what they mean so you understand what you are wearing or carrying.
Read More