Body armor donated to SO

On the morning of Dec. 27, 2015, St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a shooting at a residence in the Jeanerette area.
Once they arrived on scene, a suspect began shooting at the deputies from within the residence, Sheriff Mark Hebert said.
As the situation unfolded, the suspect shot at deputies, all of whom were wearing protective vests. During the exchange of gunfire, one of the deputies was struck in the torso and legs.
The protective gear saved that deputy’s life, Hebert said. That deputy has recovered from the wounds and is currently back at work. Another deputy, Lieutenant Dustin Kennedy, was also fired upon. The tactical shield he carried withstood the rounds preventing serious injury and death.
An investigation by Louisiana State Police detectives identified 18 law enforcement officers who were targeted by the suspect during the shooting.
Last week the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office received a visit from a representative of The Safariland Group. Safariland is the maker of the body armor worn by the deputies at the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office. Company representative Erik Belsom presented the deputy who was saved by the equipment with a new body armor vest and presented Kennedy and the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office with a new tactical shield.
Both deputies joined Safariland’s Save Club. The program is made up of individuals who, in the line of duty, experienced a life-threatening critical incident where their Safariland armor or gear contributed to saving their life.