As another month comes to a close, we’re proud to recognize a new group of Guardian Angel recipients whose dedication to protecting and serving others embodies the mission of this program. Each month, we’re inspired by the stories of individuals who put themselves in harm’s way to keep their communities safe, 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: Jess Womble, Gabriel Hernandez, and Jorge Raygoza!
GABRIEL HERNANDEZ | EMT / TRAUMA TECHNICIAN
As a 911 EMT serving Camden County with Magnolia Ambulance Corps and the Voorhees Township Fire Department, I regularly respond to assaults, domestic incidents, unknown calls, and occasional shootings or stabbings. We don’t always arrive after a scene has been secured, so having body armor would allow me to focus on providing patient care without hesitation while knowing I have an added level of protection.
In addition to EMS, I work as a trauma technician at Cooper University Hospital, where I help care for patients in both the Trauma Admitting Area and the Trauma Intensive Care Unit. Seeing these incidents from both the field and the hospital has reinforced how important provider safety is. The safer first responders are, the better we’re able to continue caring for the people who depend on us.
I believe I should be selected because I actively serve in both prehospital EMS and hospital trauma care, giving me a unique perspective on emergency medicine and patient outcomes. I respond throughout Camden County, helping serve multiple communities in a high-demand EMS system where calls can escalate quickly and scenes are not always secure. My experience has taught me that provider safety is essential to continuing to help others when they need it most.
Growing up in a family with strong ties to law enforcement and military service taught me the importance of scene safety, discipline, and protecting those around you. Those values continue to guide me as I build a long-term career in healthcare, with goals of becoming a Flight Nurse and eventually serving in law enforcement or investigations.
To me, body armor represents responsibility. It protects not only me, but also my ability to continue helping others during some of the worst moments of their lives. While the costs of education and maintaining certifications make purchasing quality body armor difficult at this stage of my career, receiving this equipment would allow me to continue serving my community with greater confidence while helping protect the future I’m working so hard to build.
JESS WOMBLE | SECURITY GUARD
Working in private security means facing situations that can become tense and unpredictable without much warning. I’ve already experienced being threatened with violence, including threats of being stabbed or shot. While I do everything I can to stay aware of my surroundings and avoid unnecessary risks, there are situations that are simply out of my control.
Having body armor would allow me to stay focused on helping others instead of constantly weighing my own safety. When I feel more secure, I’m able to stay calm, think clearly, and respond in ways that help de-escalate situations rather than stepping back out of fear. The people I interact with rely on me to remain professional when emotions are running high, and having that added protection would give me the confidence to continue doing exactly that.
I believe I should be selected because the risks I face are real. I’ve requested protective equipment through my employer and have been denied, even though the threat of violence is present. I work part-time while supporting my son, and purchasing quality body armor on my own simply isn’t possible, especially because finding armor in my size is difficult.
To me, owning body armor isn’t about expecting violence. It’s about being prepared so I can continue doing my job safely and effectively while giving myself the best chance of making it home to my son after every shift. Despite not having the protection I need, I continue showing up because this work matters and people rely on me.
JORGE RAYGOZA | EXECUTIVE PROTECTION
Working in executive protection means being prepared for situations that can change without warning. I work throughout the Los Angeles area, including Beverly Hills, where I’m constantly interacting with the public and adapting to different environments. I also work in real estate and as a process server, so every day brings new people and new situations. Most of the time everything goes smoothly, but there are moments when things can become tense or unpredictable.
Having body armor would give me the added protection to stay focused on my responsibilities instead of worrying about my own safety. It would allow me to continue doing my job the right way while remaining ready to protect others if a situation ever escalates.
I believe I should be selected because I actively work in executive protection and security on a regular basis, not just occasionally. I’m also a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, and the discipline, awareness, and responsibility I learned during my service continue to guide everything I do today. I’ve invested in my own training, certifications, and equipment because I take this profession seriously and believe in always being prepared.
To me, owning body armor means being proactive rather than reactive. It’s not about expecting something bad to happen. It’s about making sure I’m prepared if it does. In this line of work, you can’t control every situation, but you can control how prepared you are. Having body armor would give me greater confidence that I can continue protecting others while giving myself the best opportunity to return home safely at the end of the day.
I’m committed to continuing to grow in this profession and to serving others at the highest level. Receiving this armor would be another step toward ensuring I’m equipped to handle whatever challenges come my way.
