Bullet Resistant Vests

I once witnessed a man point a revolver at himself and pull the trigger.
The round caught him dead center in his stomach. He grimaced, fell back -- and grinned.

The shooting was a demonstration of the stopping power of bullet resistant vests; and the "victim" was a salesman for the company.

The salesman had apparently done this countless times for other reporters in other communities. Still, I thought the guy was crazy. Even though the bullet didn't penetrate his vest or his body, it still left a pretty sizeable - and what appeared to be - painful welt.

That was about 20 years ago, but it left a lasting impression on me. Why wouldn't a police officer wear his vest?

The question came back to me today after hearing about KPD Officer Norman Rickman taking several rounds in his chest. He was not wearing his vest, according to Police Chief Sterling Owen.

From what I've been told, the problem with vests is that they are heavy and often hot to wear. Today was a warm day, wearing the vest would make it warmer. I don't know if that's why Rickman wasn't wearing his vest, but it's why others say they don't regularly wear theirs.

As I write this post, he is out of surgery, but still in "rough" condition. Our hope - like everyones - is that he recovers and one day returns to his job.

Tonight at Knoxville City Council's regular meeting, Mayor Bill Haslam said a prayer for Rickman and all our uniformed officers. He asked God to watch over those who watch over us. Amen.