Lenco Donates Ballistic Shields to Pittsfield Police
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Lenco Armored Vehicles has donated more than $16,600 in protective shields to the Police Department for use during an active shooter situation.
The level 3 ballistic shields were accepted during Tuesday's City Council meeting.
"We don't want an officer to hesitate at all," Police Lt. Marc Maddalena said.
"So you're prepared, go in there, again, it gives you some confidence that you're going to be able to get through this successfully and survive it."
The Buffalo Armory shields are made of steel and polyethylene and offer level 3 protection.
Councilor at Large Alisa Costa asked what the shields will be used for, "given the concern a lot of residents have about the growing militarization of the police." She specifically asked if they would be deployed on protesters.
Maddalena said they are not for crowd control and are strictly for active shooter situations, but if a local riot happened and police took on live fire, they would be used.
He explained that the Light family, who owns Lenco, approached the department asking how they could help. At the time, the department was going through active shooter training and recognized that there was a lack of quick-deployment protective equipment.
PPD requested 35 shields, and the Pittsfield company delivered.
The shields protect against higher caliber rifle rounds and can cover vital organs while responding to workplace violence or an active shooter.
Maddalena said the body armor under officers' uniforms protects against smaller ammunition, and the heftier protective gear that is kept in cruisers take time to put on.
"It takes time to take that out," he added.
"… The idea that an officer's going to get out of that car, go into the back of the trunk, and then put on this gear. It's just not efficient and it's not feasible."
He thanked the Light family again, explaining it is "Probably one of the most sensible officer safety gifts I've ever been given."
Tags: Lenco, Pittsfield Police,
