Photo belongs to the Perry Police Department

The Perry Police Department was recently given new equipment during a special presentation.

Perry Police Chief Eric Vaughn was a part of the “Tour de Shield616 Minnesota Ride”, which consisted of a five-day bike ride across the northern state. The organization held a presentation at Hotel Pattee on July 24th to honor the Perry Police Department with armor plated gear. Shield616 Founder & President Jake Skifstad notes that Shield616 comes from the biblical verse of Ephesians 6:16, saying “In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one.”

Skifstad commented that he was involved in two horrific shootings in Colorado, including one in 2015 that killed five officers. He realized that the department needed better protective gear against gunfire.

“And the Lord just laid it on my heart to start Shield616, that we would go out and help find a way to get very expensive gear for our officers, our deputies, our troopers, our game wardens, even fire EMS. Get those guys and gals these vests because they deserve it, they need it. We all see what’s going on in our country and they need that protection.”

Officer Vaughn took a moment to thank the community for backing the officers.

“Everybody that supports us every day here in our community and our families, but also to those that support us and help us get these vests that unfortunately you guys know all too well that we need and will help protect us every day as we help to protect you.”

A total of 11 officers from the Perry Police Department stood at the front behind their vests to be recognized for their service to the community.