TOUR de SHIELD616 Brings National Police Week Ride to Angel Armor Headquarters, Raising Funds for Officer Body Armor

FORT COLLINS, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Angel Armor welcomed 25 cyclists to its Fort Collins headquarters as the annual TOUR de SHIELD616 passed through during National Police Week. The riders, first responders and civilians together, completed approximately 300 miles across Colorado over four days, raising funds to put rifle rated body armor in the hands of law enforcement agencies that need it. The group arrived mid day Friday, toured the Angel Armor facility, shared a meal with the team that evening, and bunked down at headquarters for the night before riding out again Saturday morning.

Each May, as the country observes National Police Week, TOUR de SHIELD616 puts that observance on two wheels. Funds raised go toward all day rifle rated body armor for law enforcement agencies selected by SHIELD616. The ride is a fundraiser, but it is also something harder to quantify: a public act of solidarity with the officers who are still out there and the ones who did not come home.

The two organizations have worked together for seven years, over which time SHIELD616 shifted its focus from throw over vests to all day wearable protection, armor an officer can put on in the morning and not have to think about again until the shift ends.

"Angel Armor has been an important partner to SHIELD616 for the past seven years as we transitioned from throw over rifle rated vests to all day rifle rated protection," said Jake Skifstad, founder of SHIELD616. "Their ultra thin, lightweight armor helps officers stay protected throughout their entire shift without needing to retrieve additional equipment from their vehicle, giving them a better chance of returning home safely to their loved ones."

"SHIELD616 has been an incredible partner because we share the same mission, making sure officers have access to life saving protection," said Scott Garrett, CEO of Angel Armor. "We are honored to support that mission and work alongside an organization that cares so deeply about officer safety."

For veteran rider Nathan McCrary, now approaching his 12th consecutive ride, the experience goes beyond fundraising totals. "What stands out most is the impact it has had on my life," he said. "Every year, many riders start as strangers. By the end of the four day ride, they've become close friends, like brothers and sisters."

Photos from the TOUR de SHIELD616 stop at Angel Armor headquarters linked here.

ABOUT ANGEL ARMOR

Angel Armor Designs and manufactures advanced ballistic protection for law enforcement, military, and first responders. Founded in 2013, headquartered in Fort Collins, Colorado.

ABOUT SHIELD616

SHIELD616 A nonprofit equipping police, sheriff, fire, and EMS professionals with all day rifle rated body armor through fundraising and community partnerships.

PHOTO INFORMATION

Photo credits: Ryan Pham / Gabrielle Van Ryn

Press Release by Jolly Web Consulting