LOS ANGELES – The Safariland Group (“Safariland”), a leading global provider of safety and survivability products for public safety, honored those who made the ultimate sacrifice during the line of duty as a sponsor in Sunday’s third Annual Run to Remember LA run along with LA Mayor Eric Garcetti and LA Police Chief Charlie Beck. LAPD Officer Andrew Taylor, and Safariland SAVES CLUB® member #997, joined 5,000 runners, including 2,000 first responders from 1300 international agencies, that were cheered on by Safariland associates and family supporters. Taylor was shot in the line of duty in 2007 while wearing Safariland armor. 

The first round struck Officer Taylor’s sidearm, shattering the handle of the gun. A second round hit Officer Taylor’s lower chest, but was stopped by his Safariland vest. A third round struck his badge and deflected up, while a fourth round struck him in the upper right portion of his chest, missing his vest and causing a straight-through wound. The four shots and struggle took only seconds. As his own weapon had been rendered useless, Taylor lunged at the suspect in an attempt to disarm him. Suffering from the pain of three shots to the chest, Officer Taylor continued to wrestle with the suspect until fellow officers were able to come to his aid. 

In addition to Officer Taylor, Safariland’s Vice President of Product Integration Walter Wilhelm, Shipping/Receiving Coordinator David Carney, Senior Buyer Laura Quintana and Warehouse Associate Shannon Kano also ran.

“It’s truly amazing to see the community has come together in remembrance and support of the fallen first responders who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect their community,” said Tim Drnec, director, consumer experience for Safariland. “What the Run to Remember organizers are able to accomplish with this event is truly admirable and Safariland is honored to contribute to these efforts.”

About The Safariland Group 

The Safariland Group is a leading global provider of a broad range of safety and survivability products designed for the public safety, military, professional and outdoor markets. The Safariland Group offers a number of recognized brand names in these markets including Safariland®, Med-Eng®, Safariland® Armor, Safariland® VIEVU®, Mustang Survival®, Bianchi®, Break Free®, PROTECH® Tactical, Defense Technology®, Hatch®, Monadnock®, Identicator® and NIK®. The Safariland Group's mission, “Together, We Save Lives”, is inherent in the lifesaving and protective products it delivers. The Safariland Group is headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida. The Safariland Group is a trade name of Safariland, LLC.For more information about The Safariland Group and these products, please visit www.safariland.com.

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For further information, please contact:  Angie Mathews, CGPR, 714-768-1140, angie@cgprpublicrelations.com.