 A special presentation during Sunday's church services gave area police, sheriff and state patrol officers protective vests and gear to help them be protected in the line of duty. Our Josh Peterson was there and introduces us to SHIELD 616. SHIELD 616, an unleashing ministry that provides law enforcement with proper safety gear, presented 24 bulletproof vests at Bemidji's Evangelical Covenant Church to members of area police, sheriff and state patrol. But the ministry offers more than just equipment. They also provide support. There's also prayer support. Every officer is paired with somebody from our church that is committing to praying for them and attempting to build a relationship with them just to support them. The SHIELD 616 ministry not only provided a protective vest but also a monocular, eye shields, gas mask and an individual trauma kit. Each protective kit would normally cost over $2,000 each but through the ministry of SHIELD 616 the cost drops to $1,000. Each kit was put together and designed by a Colorado police officer that saw a need and created SHIELD 616. Just seeing the officers not having the protection they need specifically against those rifle threats, you know, God gave us this vision of forming a nonprofit that would get them active shooter gear donated to them to give them that rifle rate of protection. Since the ministry began back in 2015 it has spread to seven states and came to Bemidji back in May and in just five months the ministry has raised enough money to gear up a quarter of Bemidji's law enforcement. While that is a huge accomplishment it doesn't come as a big surprise. I would say I'm not surprised at our community's support for the project. I'm really very honored to be a part of the program. SHIELD 616 is hoping to continue its growth until every officer has adequate protective gear and once that is accomplished their mission still continues. We're just going to continue to rally the communities around their law enforcement until every officer, deputy, trooper, game wardens until they're all equipped. In Bemidji I'm Josh Peterson, Lakeland News. And if you'd like more information about SHIELD 616 you can visit their website at SHIELD616.org. If you've enjoyed this segment of Lakeland News please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to Lakeland Public Television.