Backing the Badge BCS has recognized the service of first responders in the Brazos Valley for the past six years by preparing a "Thank You" BBQ meal for all law enforcement and firefighters in Brazos, Burleson, Grimes, and Robertson Counties. The meal is prepared by volunteers and provided on the Friday before Sept. 11 each year. This year marks the 7th annual BBQ and will recognize the lives lost on 9/11. The BBQ will be held on Friday, Sept. 10 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The BBQ pits and tents will be set up in the lot behind Abuelos and Razzoo’s off of University Drive in College Station. Approximately 2,000 BBQ meals will be provided to all first responders. Volunteers will also deliver meals to all of the law enforcement and fire departments in the four county area.
This year, the Backing the Badge group has formed an affiliation with Kristi Schiller of K9s4Cops under the name Operation Safe Shield. This 501(c)(3) is starting an initiative to raise funding to provide life-saving, bullet-resistant windshields and windows for all of the law enforcement vehicles in Brazos County. The organization hopes to expand its reach into the surrounding counties as funding goals are reached. The Texas Legislature has recently passed SB2222 to provide the bullet-resistant windshields and windows to all of the vehicles for the Texas Department of Public Safety. The revolutionary nanotechnology used by ATEK Defense systems makes a protective glass that can give law enforcement officers an added layer of safety while on patrol. The goal is to raise enough funds to equip all of the law enforcement vehicles for Brazos County with this new technology.
Operation Safe Shield will begin raising funds in September 2021. Backing the Badge hopes that the Brazos Valley will see the importance of contributing to the safety of their officers and will reach out with donations. Each vehicle will cost approximately $8,500 to fully equip. Their fundraising will be organized through OperationSafeShield.org.
Law enforcement and community leaders will be invited to attend a live demonstration of the bullet-resistant glass on Sept. 8, 2021, and the technology will be shown to the public on Sept. 10, 2021, at the Backing the Badge BBQ. For more information, visit facebook.com/BackingtheBadge.
Information courtesy of Backing the Badge BCS
