It is finally fall, and this September, Safe Life Defense proudly honors the brave individuals chosen as this month’s Guardian Angels. Through our Guardian Angel program, we recognize the first responders and security professionals, while reinforcing our commitment to equipping them with the protection they deserve. Please join us in congratulating these outstanding recipients and honoring their selfless commitment to making our communities safer every day.
Through our Guardian Angel Program, we remain dedicated to protecting those who protect us. We are proud to continue donating 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 Dustin, Timothy, and Sierra!
TIMOTHY PEARSON | Fire Fighter
If I’m selected, wearing the body armor will let me go into dangerous situations more safely. As a firefighter, I often respond to calls where there are risks like active threats, unstable structures, or violent situations. Knowing I have protection lets me focus on helping others: rescuing people, providing medical aid, keeping calm, and making safer choices. It also helps build trust; others will see that I’m prepared and serious about protecting life, both theirs and mine.
I put my life on the line every day for my community. I’ve chosen a job that demands I go into harm’s way to save lives. I’m committed to being as safe as possible, not just for myself but for my team and for the people I serve. Right now, I don’t have access to the level of armor I need, given my build and the demands of my work. This grant would make a real difference. I take this responsibility seriously. If given the armor, I’ll use it often, maintain it well, and make sure it serves its purpose.
Owning body armor means having a layer of protection when things go wrong. It’s more than just gear; body armor represents peace of mind. It’s knowing I can do my job without worrying so much about being injured by bullets or violent actions. It means being better equipped to help others, knowing I’ve done everything I can to stay safe. To me, it’s a tool, possibly lifesaving, that lets me show up for my community without holding back.
DUSTIN McGRAW | Armed Security Officer
As a pipeline patrol officer in Fairbanks, I patrol just over 250 miles of pipeline in rough and austere environments, sometimes dozens of miles away from the nearest person. As a result, part of the job is to respond quickly to emergencies along the pipeline, whether it be medical, destructive, accidental, etc. There is a sizeable amount of people along the pipeline that aren’t too thrilled about it cutting through hunting land or private property, so the threat of being met with lethal force is always a possibility. If responding to medical emergencies, such as an accidental gunshot from a hunter or an ATV accident, alarm bells are always on due to the recent surge in first-responder-targeted attacks and ambushes. It would allow me to focus on providing emergency response and medical care with more focus and peace of mind than with no body armor.
The company that I work for has denied providing body armor to patrol officers because our budget cuts are gutting the pipeline as a whole, and it’s not in their “best interest” to invest in a fitted item such as body armor when they can’t guarantee a universal fit such as with firearms and duty belts. We’ve all been told, “If you can afford it, try and source your own.” However, some of us cannot afford it, such as I. I’m the sole provider of my family of 5, and I can’t drop the money on body armor as much as I need and want it.
Owning body armor doesn’t make you invincible; it’s a tool just like anything else. You shouldn’t rely on it and charge into gunfire like you’re a Marvel Hero. It does, however, serve as peace of mind to calm the nerves when situations might get hairy, and if worst comes to worst, it will allow you to live through a bullet with your name on it so you can go home and hug your kids again.
SIERRA LAMB | Emergency Medical Technician
As an active fire and EMS professional, I regularly find myself in unpredictable and sometimes dangerous situations. Wearing Safe Life Defense Body Armor would allow me to operate more confidently and efficiently, especially in scenarios where the safety of the scene is uncertain. Whether it’s responding to an overdose in a high-risk area, entering a home during a domestic disturbance, or being the first on scene before law enforcement arrives, body armor would provide that extra layer of protection that allows me to stay focused on patient care. Having that peace of mind means I can stay present, calm, and capable, which ultimately helps me deliver the highest quality of care to those who need it most, even under pressure.
I’ve been a first responder for over 15 years, and throughout that time, I’ve witnessed firsthand how quickly a seemingly routine call can take a dangerous turn. While not every call involves violence, enough of them do, or have the potential to, that personal safety can never be taken for granted. I continue to serve my community with dedication and professionalism, fully aware of the risks involved. I believe I should be selected because I embody the values of preparedness, commitment, and resilience. Equipping someone like me with body armor not only protects me, but it also enhances my ability to continue serving others without hesitation in volatile or high-stakes environments.
To me, owning body armor represents more than just physical protection; it’s a symbol of readiness and responsibility. While EMS isn’t always about confronting violence, the reality is that our role increasingly puts us in harm’s way, especially with some of the contract work I take on. Having body armor would significantly increase my sense of security while on duty, giving me a better chance of making it home to my family at the end of each shift. It means I can serve with greater confidence, knowing I’m doing everything I can to mitigate risks while helping others. It’s not about fear; it’s about being proactive, being prepared, and valuing my own life just as much as I value the lives of those I respond to help.
