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First Choice Armor Vest Saves Arizona Officer

For Immediate Release

BROCKTON, MA- Thanks to a ballistic-resistant vest manufactured by First Choice Armor, Glendale, AZ Officer Rafael Rico suffered only minor bruises after being shot in the chest on the morning of March 14, 2004.

Officer Rico, 31, was involved in a high-risk traffic stop on W. Maryland Avenue in Glendale after officers spotted three men in a stolen car. As two of the men attempted to flee, they drove directly toward Rico and then shot him in the chest with a 9mm handgun as they sped off.

Rico was taken to a nearby hospital and released after about an hour and a half with only minor bruises. All three suspects were taken into custody and have been booked with multiple felonies.

The 9mm round, which was shot from only six-to-seven feet away, was easily stopped by the First Choice concealable vest consisting of 23 layers. Rico, a four-year member of the Glendale Police Department, is grateful for the protection the vest provided.

“I had been wearing the vest for almost four years,” commented Officer Rico. “I’ve never had it put to the test in the line of duty until now and I’m thankful for such a quality piece of equipment because it saved my life.”

First Choice will replace Rico’s vest free of charge. In addition, as part of “Protect and Serve,” First Choice Armor’s charitable program, the company will make a donation in Rico’s name to his charity of choice, the Chaplin’s Fund of the Fraternal Order of Police Local Lodge #12. The “Protect and Serve” program was created earlier this year by First Choice as a “thank you” to all those, like Officer Rico, who risk their lives every day in the name of public safety.

For more information about First Choice Armor, any of its products, or the "Protect and Serve" program, please contact First Choice Armor at 1-800-882-7667 or visit www.firstchoicearmor.com

About First Choice Armor
First Choice Armor & Equipment, Inc. is an international leader in personal protection technology and design. As an ISO 9001:2000 certified company, First Choice has pioneered the development of innovative ballistic/stab-shank resistant vests and protective equipment that is state-of-the-art, lightweight and comfortable. First Choice provides their premium equipment to both law enforcement and military agencies.