Sgt. Stephen Ellison of the Campbell County (Ky.) Police Department recently joined a select but growing club of officers who have been saved by soft body armor manufactured by Second Chance.

Earlier this year, Ellison was on routine street patrol in Alexandria, Ky., when he noticed a vehicle being driven by a suspected bank robber. Ellison called for backup but before other officers could arrive the subject pulled over and opened fire with a 12-gauge shotgun.

Ellison survived pellet wounds to the head and legs, and his vest stopped a number of pellets from ripping into his stomach. He returned fire, and the shootout ended when backup arrived and the robbery suspect killed himself to avoid capture.

Campbell County Police chief William L. Armstrong credits Ellison’s Ultima II model Second Chance vest with “playing a key role” in saving his life.

Ellison is the 850th law enforcement officer to survive a shooting while wearing Second Chance body armor.