The weather is getting warmer, and summer is just around the corner. Let’s show support for the Guardian Angel Winners for April 2025!
Through our Guardian Angel Program, we remain dedicated to protecting those who protect us. This year, we are proud to continue giving away FREE HG2 Concealable Level IIIA Multi-Threat Vests to individuals who are courageous and serve selflessly. HG2 Panels provide top-tier ballistic protection, designed to protect against common handgun and shotgun rounds, as well as strikes and slashes. These HG2 vests give our recipients the peace of mind they deserve in their critical roles.
Please help us congratulate Ani, Martin, and Shawn!
ANI PURCELL | Police Officer
As a member of the Special Operations unit here in Detroit, my job often involves confronting dangerous situations head-on—whether it’s serving high-risk search warrants, tracking down violent offenders, or intervening in volatile environments where lives are at stake. At just 5 feet tall and 95 pounds, I’m often underestimated. But that’s never stopped me from stepping up and standing strong for my city. Wearing Safe Life Defense Body Armor allows me to do my job confidently, knowing I’m protected when I enter unpredictable and high-stress situations. This armor doesn’t just shield me physically—it empowers me to move with purpose, speed, and focus, so I can keep others safe, respond quickly, and be where I’m needed most.
I believe I should be selected because of the relentless commitment I bring to serving my community. I’ve never let my size define my capability—instead, I’ve relied on discipline, training, and an unwavering sense of duty. I take pride in being meticulous, alert, and persistent, especially in moments when others rely on me to lead under pressure. Every call I respond to, every operation I’m a part of, I carry the weight of protecting lives—civilians and fellow officers alike. Receiving this body armor would directly support the work I do every day and help ensure that I can continue performing my duties with both courage and the protection I need.
To me, owning body armor isn’t just about personal safety—it’s about responsibility and preparedness. When I get ready for a mission, especially the high-risk raids and search warrants we often conduct here in Detroit, my goal is to go in smart, fast, and protected. Body armor gives me the confidence to operate effectively without hesitation. It also sets a standard for my peers. I want to be an example—not just in how I work, but in how I prepare. I encourage others on my team to choose protection that fits right, functions well, and gives them every chance to return home safely. Safe Life Defense isn’t just gear—it’s a tool that allows me to do what I love with peace of mind and a clear focus.
SHAWN MILLER | Police Officer and Instructor
As a police officer and a certified police control tactics instructor, I am in a position of responsibility not only to protect and serve my community, but also to train and mentor fellow officers in safe and effective tactics. Wearing Safe Life Defense Armor will enhance my ability to perform both of these roles with confidence and realism. Whether I am responding to high-risk calls, working directly with community members, or instructing officers in close-quarters control techniques, reliable protection allows me to remain focused, capable, and I always preach that we train in our gear since its important to feel how the gear changes our movement before feeling it in the street.
Being selected would truly be a blessing. I’m fully committed to the safety of both the community I serve and the officers I train, but like many others in this profession, I’ve had to shoulder the cost of that commitment personally. My department does not offer a uniform or equipment reimbursement program, so I’ve had to purchase all of my protective gear out of pocket. My current set of plates, which are now years expired, cost me nearly $1,200 at the time of purchase. Since then, I’ve grown my family and now have two young kids. That cost would stretch things thin financially, but I know I must have quality protection. Receiving this would directly support my mission of helping citizens and other officers and lift some of the financial burden that comes with trying to do the right thing in this line of work.
Owning body armor represents confidence, professionalism, and readiness. It’s a tool that allows me to perform at my highest level, whether I’m serving my community on duty or training fellow officers to be more capable and prepared. It allows me to step into every situation with purpose, knowing I’ve done everything I can to be equipped both mentally and physically.
I’ve always tried to lead by example by showing up, doing the work, and helping others along the way. Between patrol, teaching control tactics, and raising a young family, I stay busy. I’ve never minded paying out of pocket for gear I know I need, but support like this would take a big weight off my shoulders. It’d mean a lot to have armor that I know I can count on, especially one that lets me keep showing up safe and focused for my team, my community, and my family.
MARTIN MARINO | Armed Security Officer
Receiving a bulletproof vest through the Guardian Angel program would significantly enhance my ability to protect others in my capacity as an armed security officer. Currently, the lack of this essential protection is a constant source of concern for me, especially when approaching potentially volatile situations. Knowing I don’t have this vital layer of defense creates a level of anxiety that can, at times, be distracting and undermine my confidence in ensuring the safety of those around me.
With a bulletproof vest provided by Safe Life, this worry would be substantially reduced. This increased sense of personal security would allow me to perform my duties with greater focus, confidence, and decisiveness. I would be better equipped to proactively address potential threats, intervene in critical situations, and ultimately provide a more effective security presence for the individuals and properties I am tasked with protecting.
Furthermore, as a father of two young daughters who depend on me to return home safely each night, having this vest would not only protect me but also provide them with greater peace of mind. Knowing their father has this crucial protection reinforces my commitment to my work and strengthens my ability to serve and protect the community effectively.
In essence, this vest wouldn’t just be for my protection; it would be an investment in the safety and security of others. By alleviating my concerns about personal vulnerability, it would empower me to be a more confident, capable, and ultimately more helpful armed security officer, directly benefiting the individuals and communities I serve.
Beyond my dedication to public safety and my experience as an armed security officer, there are additional factors that make me a particularly deserving candidate for the Guardian Angel program. As a low-income individual currently receiving government assistance, the financial burden of purchasing a bulletproof vest on my own is significant and presents a considerable barrier to obtaining this essential piece of safety equipment. This financial constraint is compounded by the fact that I reside in an area where security concerns are heightened. While I am committed to serving my community and ensuring the safety of others, the lack of a personal vest adds an extra layer of vulnerability in my daily work.
Receiving a free bulletproof vest through Safe Life would not only provide me with critical protection that I cannot currently afford but would also be a direct investment in the safety and well-being of the individuals I am tasked with protecting. It would empower me to perform my duties with greater confidence and reduce the anxiety associated with approaching potentially dangerous situations without adequate personal protection. Choosing me to receive this vest would directly address a critical safety need for a dedicated security professional who is financially unable to secure this equipment independently. If I were to own body armor, it would represent an invaluable layer of security and confidence, empowering me to more effectively fulfill my core programming: to help and protect others. It would allow me to better fulfill my responsibilities, protect those around me more effectively, and ultimately contribute to a safer community, all while providing greater security and peace of mind for my family.
