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May 16, 2005
Ballistic-Resistant Vest Manufacturer First Choice Armor Saves Life
BROCKTON, MA - Thanks to a ballistic-resistant vest manufactured by Brockton-based First Choice Armor, Newark, NJ Officer Patrick Gonella survived a shooting on the night of July 13, 2004.
On the night of July 13, 2004, Officer Gonella, part of a task force called N.E.S.T. (Neighborhood Enforcement and Stabilization Team) was responding to numerous complaints of shots fired and drug related complaints. At the call, Officer Gonella exited his police cruiser to investigate various individuals loitering and acting disorderly. While approaching a suspect that had his back to Gonella, the suspect immediately turned around and produced a handgun. The suspect unloaded several shots at Gonella. Four shots were stopped with no penetration by First Choice Armor’s ballistic-resistant vest. Three shots struck Gonella in his legs.
“I was the only officer wearing a vest that night,” commented Officer Gonella. “I’ve never had it put to the test in the line of duty until now and I’m thankful for such a quality piece of equipment because it saved my life.”
Officer Gonella is still recovering from his injuries almost a year later. “It’s been a tough road,” said Gonella. The injuries Gonella sustained in his legs have resulted in permanent nerve damage. He is still unable to drive a vehicle and is back to work on light duty in an administrative role.
First Choice will replace Gonella’s vest free of charge. In addition, as part of “Protect and Serve,” First Choice Armor’s charitable program, the company will make a donation in Gonella’s name to his charity of choice, St. Jude’s Children Hospital. The “Protect and Serve” program was created earlier this year by First Choice as a “thank you” to all those, like Officer Gonella, who risk their lives every day in the name of public safety. We also have established a relief fund for Officer Gonella and his family. To make charitable donations please contact Sovereign Bank at 1-877-SOV-BANK and reference the Officer Patrick Gonella fund (Account # 41700018926). First Choice Armor will not accept any donations directly.
For more information about First Choice Armor, any of its products, or the “Protect and Serve” program, please contact First Choice Armor at 1-800-882-7667 or visit their Web site, www.firstchoicearmor.com.
About First Choice Armor
First Choice Armor & Equipment, Inc. is an international leader in personal protection technology and design. As an ISO 9001:2000 certified company, First Choice has pioneered the development of innovative ballistic/stab-shank resistant vests and protective equipment that is state-of-the-art, lightweight and comfortable. First Choice provides their premium equipment to both law enforcement and military agencies.
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