Recently the West U Fire Department received 10 protective tactical vests paid for by a generous donation from The Sentinel Club.
In our changing world where EMS/Fire personnel are more often finding themselves in situations of danger not previously seen, the need for ballistic protection is now becoming accepted as a cultural shift just as the use of gloves and protective eye wear were years ago. The active shooter situation in Houston last year brought that realization home to West U Fire Department personnel and residents. Fire Chief Aaron Taylor thanked The Sentinel Club for their support and the purchase of the protective vests.
Shown accepting the donation were, from left back, Asst. Chief James Novak, Captain Derek Elkins, Fire Chief Aaron Taylor, and Sentinel Club members Ray Meyn, President Fritz Beich, Vice President Carol O'Neill, Treasurer Philip Berquist, Secretary Owen Rutz, David McDonald and Bob Kelly; from left front, Evan Kinslow, Peter van Wijk, Brent Gorman, Ryan Wagner and Dustin Gibson.