August 2026 Guardian Angel Winners

As summer continues, we’re proud to recognize another outstanding group of Guardian Angel recipients for August 2026. Each month, we’re honored to hear the stories of individuals who put themselves in harm’s way to protect and serve others, and this month’s recipients are no exception.

Through our Guardian Angel Program, Safe Life Defense remains committed to protecting those who protect us. We are honored to provide FREE HG2 Concealable Level IIIA Multi-Threat Vests to deserving individuals who demonstrate courage, professionalism, and a commitment to serving others.

Please join us in congratulating this month’s Guardian Angel recipients: Victor Diaz, Demitrius Somerville, and Jerome Duchaine!

I am a Detective with the Millville Police Department in New Jersey, currently assigned to the Investigations Division’s Proactive Investigations Team. My responsibilities include investigating violent offenses, including shootings, as well as gang, firearm, and narcotics activity throughout the City of Millville.

My assignment routinely places me in direct contact with violent offenders and illegally armed individuals. I conduct motor vehicle stops, participate in foot pursuits, execute search warrants, conduct proactive investigations, and apprehend individuals involved in violent crime and illegal weapons possession.

Unfortunately, the threats we encounter are not limited to handguns. Individuals involved in criminal activity in our city have been known to possess AR-style pistols, AK-style firearms, Dracos, and handguns illegally modified with switches. I’ve also been involved in incidents where armed subjects have directly threatened officers.

I’ve personally experienced how quickly these situations can become life-threatening. During one incident, shots were fired close enough to my partner, our patrol vehicle, and me that I could hear projectiles passing nearby. I’ve also responded to and been present during other critical incidents involving gunfire and armed offenders.

More recently, I arrested an individual for a weapons offense who told me that he considers harming a police officer. He described having previously encountered a Millville officer while illegally armed and contemplating using that firearm against the officer. Encounters like these are a constant reminder that the threats officers face are not always predictable and can escalate without warning.

Having reliable ballistic protection would allow me to continue proactively addressing violent crime, apprehending dangerous offenders, removing illegally possessed firearms from our community, and serving the citizens of Millville while providing an increased level of protection against the threats I routinely face.

Body armor is not just for my own protection. It enables me to continue protecting those who depend on me. Whether I’m helping a wounded partner, evacuating civilians, or responding to an active threat, having the proper protective equipment increases my ability to perform my mission safely and effectively. It allows me to remain capable of helping others when they need it most.

In both of my professions, I willingly place myself in dangerous and unpredictable situations to protect my fellow soldiers, my partners, and the communities I serve. Body armor provides a critical layer of protection that allows me to focus on accomplishing the mission rather than worrying about unnecessary risk. It gives me the confidence to move toward danger when others are moving away, knowing I have equipment designed to help protect my life.

Receiving this support would make a meaningful difference by providing equipment that I may not otherwise be able to obtain. I would be honored to receive this armor and would wear it with gratitude, knowing it helps me continue protecting others with confidence and dedication.

Thank you again for your support and for making a positive difference in the lives of those who dedicate themselves to protecting others.

I work in armed security in Burlington, Vermont, where I help keep people experiencing homelessness safe and protect several homeless shelters in the area. I also volunteer as a firefighter and am part of the active shooter response for our local school.

Having a vest of my own would help me keep a promise to my family to do whatever it takes to come home safely at the end of every shift. Knowing I have reliable protection would also allow me to feel safer and be more productive while protecting the people I’m responsible for.

I am a hardworking, medically retired U.S. Army veteran who is doing everything I can to keep moving forward and provide for my family. Burlington has been a challenging place lately, and having a reliable, high-quality piece of armor would mean a great deal to me, especially while supporting my two teenage boys and caring for my elderly mother.

I was recently separated from a better-paying state job because of budget cuts and have taken a significant pay cut. With the cost of keeping my car fueled and maintained and making sure my family has what they needs, purchasing quality body armor has become very difficult.

To me, owning body armor means safety and keeping a promise to do whatever I can to protect myself and make it home to my family at the end of my shift. Your help would mean so much to me.