Residents and Local Businesses Buy Tactical Armor for Texas Officers

In 2013, Beaumont, TX, police officer Erin Smith was involved in an on-duty active shooting that he described as surreal - a situation that even training couldn't have prepared him for, he said.

Even though he wasn't hurt, Smith, 35, said he fears not being able to return home to his three boys after such dangerous incidents.

Thanks to the efforts of Judge Cory Crenshaw and various local families and businesses, Smith and 118 other division patrol officers will have access to 16-pound hard tactical body armor kits to be worn during shooting situations.

Crenshaw told the Beaumont Enterprise  he hopes they never have to be used, but officers and their families should know the kits are always there.

The kit includes a vest and two body armor plates in a carry bag.