Florence, Italy that is. That holster makes for one heck of a drawstroke.
Archive for the ‘LE’ Category
This Is How They Do It In Florence
Thursday, August 28th, 2014FBI Issues Pre-Solicitation for COTS 9MM Pistols
Monday, July 28th, 2014While the US Army continues to make noise about adopting a new cartridge to replace the current NATO-standard 9mm caliber, Law Enforcement agencies across the country are migrating back to the round. Now, arguably the most respected LE agency in America, if not the world, the Federal Bureau of investigation is making good on their quest to transition from .40 to 9mm by taking the first step to purchase new weapons by issuing a Pre-Solicitation for Commercial Off The Shelf pistols. Although referred to as a Pre-Solicitation, it serves the same purpose as a Sources Sought Notice you’d see from DoD. This is a huge opportunity for the firearms industry. Not only with FBI but the entire LE community in America. Where the Bureau goes, so goes everyone else.
Specifically, they are seeking:
Various commercial “OFF THE SHELF” semi-automatic pistols chambered to fire a 9mm Luger cartridge as defined by SAAMI.
The following types of pistols, chambered to fire a 9mm Luger cartridge, may be requested for testing and evaluation purposes under a future solicitation:
Class One Pistol: barrel length between 3.75″ and 4.25″; with a minimum magazine capacity of 13 rounds.
Class Two Pistol: barrel length between 4.5″ and 5.5″; with a minimum magazine capacity of 15 rounds.
Class One Training Pistol (Red Handle): deactivated with full articulation, red receiver and slide, night sights.
Class One “Man Marking” (a.k.a., “Simunitions”) pistol: blue slide or slide with blue inserts.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation anticipates the release of a solicitation during FY2015/Q1; distributed solely through the General Services Administration (GSA) Federal Business Opportunities (FBO) Website.
The anticipated maximum, not to exceed, contract threshold is $100M for a twelve month base period and nine (9) possible additional one-year options.
Being much smaller than Defense (and much more fragmented) Justice along with the multitude of other agencies charged with law enforcement have been able to buy pretty much whatever they want over the years. For many, this has meant the .40 S&W caliber. It was developed about 25 years ago and is an outgrowth of the FBI’s interest in the 10mm cartridge but in a package that could be retrofitted to existing 9mm handgun frames. But now, with decades of data on the effects of the .40 cartridge and its toll on handguns themselves. Rumors have been swirling for sometime that they were moving back toward 9mm and this Sources Sought Notice is a step in that direction.
I’m not even going to get into the myriad reasons that the Department of Defense won’t adopt a new caliber for its sidearm but instead will point to the ill-fated Individual Carbine program which was open to new calibers. In the end, only standard 5.56mm NATO guns were down selected and even then, no weapons were capable of completing the trials which were ended early. You want a new caliber? Do the science. The Army hasn’t. Instead, they’ve set industry up for another fall in their open caliber Modular Handgun System program.
It would be prudent to keep an eye on what the Bureau is up to, and why. They rely on their handgun as primary weapon system and look to be willing to trust the lives of their agents with the 9mm caliber. Granted, they’re not shooting M882 Ball, and therein lies the rub. Regardless of handgun caliber, Full Metal Jacket ammunition doesn’t take full advantage of the latest in ammunition technology. DoD needs to consider that as well.
Warrior West – Gould and Goodrich
Thursday, April 24th, 2014About a month ago we told you about the ADS Inc contract new black duty gear from Gould and Goodrich for Air Force Security Forces.
Since G&G is on hand at Warrior Expo West we thought it would be good to show you what they are getting. Security Forces is getting the setup above with the exception of the flashlight pouch on the far right. These kits are being delivered now.
Philadelphia Police Department Receives Safety Equipment Grant From The Spirit Of Blue Foundation
Wednesday, April 2nd, 2014
Ryan T. Smith, Executive Director of the Spirit of Blue Foundation (left), presents the $10,000 Safety Equipment Grant to Philadelphia Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey (right) during the formal grant presentation at the department’s 35th District Headquarters on March 21, 2014.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – March 31, 2014 – The Spirit of Blue Foundation announced today that it has awarded a $10,000 Safety Equipment Grant to the Philadelphia Police Department for the purchase of at least 24 ballistic vests. The grant was given in memory of fallen Officer Charles E. Cassidy who was killed in the line of duty while attempting to stop an armed robbery in 2007. The ballistic vests will be purchased in conjunction with the US Department of Justice’s Ballistic Vest Program, which provides federal matching funds for ballistic vest purchases, and will be issued to members of the 35th District where Officer Cassidy served.
“We appreciate this generous gift that is being donated to our department in an effort to keep our members safe. A ballistic vest is one of the most important pieces of equipment for a police officer because it can save his/her life,” stated Commissioner Charles Ramsey of the Philadelphia Police Department. “We want to thank the Dunkin’ Donuts & Baskin-Robbins Community Foundation and the Spirit of Blue Foundation for this grant; and we thank you for honoring the memory of one of our fallen heroes, Officer Charles Cassidy.”
“We expect so much of our police officers. We need them in many ways to hold our society together,” commented Ryan T. Smith, Executive Director of the Spirit of Blue Foundation. “But there is an unwritten social contract that we will protect those who protect us. That is what we have to be about. So, it is an extreme honor to award this grant to provide ballistic vests to these fine men and women, so they can hopefully end each shift safely and return home to their families.”
The Safety Equipment Grant was enabled by a generous gift from The Dunkin’ Donuts & Baskin-Robbins Community Foundation who partners with organizations that work to support public safety officers, in addition to a number of other community initiatives.
2014 statistics preliminarily released by the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund show that 29 law enforcement officers have already lost their lives this year, an increase of 16% from the same period in the prior year. On average 56 firearms related deaths occur annually. The reality of these statistics, and the increasing number of underfunded law enforcement agencies across the country, fuel the Spirit of Blue safety grant initiative.
NRA Life of Duty Patriot Profile – US C-SOG
Wednesday, March 26th, 2014
Patriot Profiles Sponsored by Smith & Wesson
US C-SOG
With more than 2.3 million inmates in America’s penitentiary system today, our correctional officers are severely outnumbered and under the constant threat of attack inside and outside prison walls. US C-SOG Senior Team Leader Joseph Garcia has made it his life’s mission to train and prepare warriors and operators to deal with the most violent, enraged and often disturbed criminals in the system. A true man of character, Garcia is an operator not playing a part, but living the various roles he must perform day in and day out.
Read more at www.nralifeofduty.tv/patriot-profiles/video/patriot-profiles-us-c-sog
New Middletown Police Department Receives Safety Equipment Grant From The Spirit Of Blue Foundation
Monday, March 17th, 2014
Ryan T. Smith, Executive Director of the Spirit of Blue Foundation (left), presented the New Middletown Police Department with a Philips HeartStart AED. Receiving the grant was Chief Vincent D’Egidio (right) at the City Municipal Building on February 25, 2014.
NEW MIDDLETOWN, OHIO – March 17, 2014 – The Spirit of Blue Foundation announced today that it has awarded a Safety Equipment Grant to New Middletown (OH) Police Department. The grant is for an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) that will be positioned in a patrol car and available to officers on duty at all times. The grant was made possible by a generous gift from Blue Force Gear and is valued at $1,609.00.
New Middletown is a vibrant suburb of Youngstown, Ohio with a population of 1,600 residents. The police department has 9 officers who serve the Village of New Middletown, 3 of which are over the age of 50.
“The immediate availability of having the AED in the patrol unit is critical in the event an officer suffers a heart attack during training, or a police incident,” stated Chief Vincent D’Egidio of the New Middletown Police Department. “The AED dramatically increases the survival opportunity for the officer in need.”
The Philips HeartStart OnSite AED is a simple to use medical device that provides on-demand audio coached AED and CPR guidance during the resuscitation of a sudden cardiac arrest victim. Paddles for both adults and children/infants were provided with the AED, as it will also be available for medical calls throughout the village.
“We talk about officer safety in terms of being able to go home safely at the end of each shift,” commented Ryan T. Smith, Executive Director of the Spirit of Blue. “But, when you have officers who have been working the road for 20-30 years, you need to consider a safe end to their careers as well. If that means ensuring an AED is available, then we are more than happy to provide it.”
2014 statistics preliminarily released by the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund show that so far this year 23 law enforcement officers have already lost their lives, an increase of 28% from the same period in the prior year. On average, 17 officers are lost each year due to on the job illness or health events.
The Spirit of Blue Foundation actively encourages the public at large to honor and appreciate law enforcement officers who serve to protect our communities. By supporting the Spirit of Blue Foundation, the public can make an impact in the lives of law enforcement officers every day. To learn more about the Spirit of Blue, or make a donation, visit www.spiritofblue.com.
USAF Security Forces Mandate New Black Gould & Goodrich Molded Nylon Duty Gear For Use With Blues
Saturday, March 15th, 2014
The US Air Force Force Protection Commodity Council has awarded a new indefinite quantity – indefinite delivery contract for Law Enforcement Black Gould & Goodrich Molded Nylon Duty Gear to ADS, Inc. Black Gould & Goodrich Molded Nylon Duty Gear is intended for use by DAF Civilian Police/Guards and Security Forces military members in blues only. The contract specifies the following 10 Black nylon items:
– Utility Belt (S, M, L, XL)
– Belt keepers
– Handcuff case
– Radio Case
– Single magazine M9 ammo pouch
– Triple magazine M4 ammo pouch
– Chemical spray holder
– Baton Holder
– Silent key ring holder
– Glove pouch
The contract is effective through January 14, 2019. Items are currently available for order. Look for info from Security Forces Center soon.
Active Shooter Response Gear from LBT Inc
Wednesday, January 22nd, 2014There has been an increasing demand for Active Shooter response gear from Law Enforcement. To answer this requirement, LBT Inc has spent the last few months working closely with multiple SWAT teams across the United States as well as ATF/SRT teams to develop individual equipment to deal with these threats. The focus of their effort has been to adapt the operational functionality LBT offers their SOF customers and apply that mindset to developing kit specifically for federal agencies and Law Enforcement who may face an Active Shooter scenario at a moment’s notice.
-Low-profile rig that attaches easily to the 6094 series of plate carriers
-The A.S.A.P. features a hook and loop sleeve that incorporates interchangeable magazine inserts which hold either of the included pouches:
–(2) M4 / (2) 9mm / Handcuff / Flashlight Insert with bungee rentention
–Speed Draw Quadruple 5.56 magazine pouch with S&S Precision Pull Tabs
-Utilizes National Molding’s Molle-T™, replaceable side release adapters allowing ultra-quick donning and doffing
-Front of panel is configured with modular attachment points for mounting extra equipment
-Waist cinches by way of Any Which Way female buckles attached by modular attachment points on the back
-Made of 500D Cordura
-Overall Dimensions: 24″ L x 2.5″ W x 7″ H
-Weight: 17 Oz
-Colors: Green and Black
-Designed for modular attachment to 6094 series plate carriers
-Modular web attachment points on front, back and side of pack – great for pouches and plate carrier attachment
-Multiple entry points for hydration system, cables and communications equipment
-Cinch straps for snug fit with adjustable hook and loop pieces to prevent excess strap from flapping
-Two double zippered compartments and front organization pocket
-Identification field on front (hook and loop panel)
-Drainage grommets on bottom of pack
– Colors: Ranger Green, Black, Coyote Brown, Coyote Tan and Multicam
-Designed off the success and reliability of the LBT-6094 Modular Plate Carrier Series
–(4) Front internal pouches for administrative, document and internal stowage
-Includes LBT-2645G Kangaroo Pouch
-Heavy duty hook and loop on front and rear for ID patches
-Elastic retention on cummerbund for chem lights and breaching tools
-Button hole on back to conceal flex cuffs through the shoulder straps
-Colors: Ranger Green and Black
-Insert pouch for LBT-6094 series of plate carriers
–(1) M4 magazine, (1) 9mm magazine, (1) Handcuffs, (1) Flashlight pocket
-S&S Precision Pull Tab bungee retention for secure stowage
-Hook and loop attachment
-Fits inside front pocket of LBT-6094 series of plate carriers
-Colors: Ranger Green and Black
Tactical harness made specifically for canines in the 75-85 pound range
-Made from Heavy Duty Mesh, 1000D Cordura spine, and lycra side to accommodate proper fit
-Harness clicks in/adjusts through (3) Cobra buckles and #10 YKK zipper
-Elastic Binding around shoulder and back for maximum comfort
–(6) Retention loops to click and carry gear
–(2) Reinforced handles front/back for ease of lifting and holding.
-Rappel strap
-Loops to hold strobes and lights
-1.25”D ring for lead attachment
-(2) 3.5” x 4” Loop for ID and patch placement
-Colors: Ranger Green and MultiCam
