Perry Police Receive Armored Vest from Shield616 | Raccoon Valley Radio

Photo courtesy of Perry Police Department

The Perry Police Department recently received new equipment as part of a special presentation.

Perry Police Chief Eric Vaughn was part of the Tour de Shield616 Minnesota Ride, a five-day bike ride through the northern part of the state. The organization held a presentation at the Pattee Hotel on July 24 to honor Perry police with armored gear. Shield616 founder and president Jake Skifstad points out that Shield616 comes from the Bible verse Ephesians 6:16, which says, “In all circumstances, take the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the fiery darts of the evil one.”

Skifstad said he was involved in two gruesome shootings in Colorado, including one in 2015 that left five police officers dead, and realized the department needed better protective equipment against firearms.

“And the Lord just put it on my heart to start Shield616 so we can go out and find a way to get very expensive equipment for our officers, our sheriff’s deputies, our patrol officers, our game wardens, even the fire department. Get these guys and girls these vests because they deserve them, they need them. We all see what’s going on in our country and they need this protection.”

Officer Vaughn took a moment to thank the community for their support of the officers.

“To all of those who support us every day here in our community and in our families, but also to those who support us and help us get these vests that you unfortunately know only too well that we need and that will help us every day to protect as we help to protect you.”

A total of 11 officers from the Perry Police Department stood at the front behind their vests to be honored for their service to the community.