It was a surprise to me.  A few weeks ago I learned Twin Falls City Police didn’t have body armor that could protect officers from rifle shots.  Their armored vests could stop a shot from a pistol or revolver, but not a long rifle.  Forrest Andersen at Washington Street Pawn stepped in and raised money to provide increased armor plating.  We then learned that the Twin Falls County Sheriff’s Office didn’t have the rifle-rated vests.

Following the Texas school shooting this week, a decision was made to expand the armor fundraiser to the Sheriff’s Office.  School Resource Officers lack upgraded protection.

The Public Stepped Up

Forrest and Todd Eccles from Patriot Defense host the Gun Guys program on Newsradio 96.1 FM and 1310 KLIX.  On Friday, they took pledges from the audience.  The hope is to raise enough money for the Sheriff’s Office and potentially neighboring police departments and deputies.

By the end of the show, several thousand dollars had been pledged.  We’re likely to see even more donations as the day and weekend progress.

People Have Big Hearts

Considering that the people of the Magic Valley are dealing with inflated fuel and grocery prices, as well as uncertainty about the economy, the response is gratifying and humbling.

I’ll keep you posted as to the amount of money raised.  I’ll update this story as necessary.

The new armor will add a few pounds to the kit worn by officers but also likely raise their chances of surviving an encounter with an active shooter.  We don’t want any such event to ever take place in southern Idaho, but we want to be prepared.

*****************************

UPDATE:  During the first hour after the show, more than $5,000 was raised!

15 Ways You Can Help People in Ukraine Right Now

As Americans watch events unfold in Ukraine, many wonder how they can help. Below is a list of organizations responding to the crisis in Ukraine along with information on how you can support their various missions. 

See 20 Ways America Has Changed Since 9/11

For those of us who lived through 9/11, the day’s events will forever be emblazoned on our consciousnesses, a terrible tragedy we can’t, and won’t, forget. Now, two decades on, Stacker reflects back on the events of 9/11 and many of the ways the world has changed since then. Using information from news reports, government sources, and research centers, this is a list of 20 aspects of American life that were forever altered by the events of that day. From language to air travel to our handling of immigration and foreign policy, read on to see just how much life in the United States was affected by 9/11.

More From News Radio 1310 KLIX