Outreach group seeks better body armor for police

Officers could soon be equipped with higher grade body armor thanks to an initiative by Thunder Outreach.

Mark Malizzi, chaplain for Thunder Outreach, said the group has launched a new effort to get area police equipped with better body armor after

learning that their current vests are only at level three protection.

“Recently I was talking to one of local Colebrookdale police officers and found out they only have level three body armor. So what they wear is only 3 out of a 1-5. It protects against small handguns but if they were called to an active shooter or something, the body armor they wear would not stop that kind of projectile,” explained Malizzi.

The new vests would protect officers against rifle and high power ammunition that may not be stopped by the base level 3 body armor they wear under their uniforms.

Thunder Outreach has now begun speaking with local businesses and organizations to garner interest in donating vests to local law enforcement. The officers would be able to keep the vests in their patrol car and use them should a situation call for it.

“We had a conversation about cost too and to get to five would be about $750 per set. Officers could have it in their cars, take it out when necessary and put it on,” said Malizzi. “We had conversations with businesses to invest in this cause. Fred Beans is purchasing 4. Two will be for Colebrookdale and two for Boyertown. Everything Postal bought one, Morning Star Fellowship has purchased one and Denny’s Electric.”

Malizzi said he took the

“We had conversations with businesses to invest in this cause. Fred Beans is purchasing 4. Two will be for Colebrookdale and two for Boyertown. Everything Postal bought one, Morning Star Fellowship has purchased one and Denny’s Electric.” — Mark Malizzi, chaplain for Thunder Outreach

idea of purchasing a vest to Boyertown Area Fire & Rescue as well. After discussing the necessity for them, the board agreed to purchase one.

“When I told them the idea, I asked the board of directors from the fire department to make a donation for a vest. The board of directors loved it and now Boyertown Fire & Rescue is donating,” Malizzi explained.

Thunder Outreach is starting out by trying to purchase 10 vests for Boyertown and Colebrookdale officers.

Businesses, organizations and individuals interested in donating to the cause can visit the Thunder Outreach site and specify for which department a vest is being purchased.

“Our officers protect our families 24 hours a day. This is a chance as members of the community to put a piece of equipment in every area police officer’s hands that can protect them. I think it’s only fair,” said Malizzi.