30% OFF Level 3A Hard Bag Inserts and Clipboards March 19-26, 2024,
*Offer valid from 2/16/24-2/29/24 on level 3A Hard Bag Inserts and the Ballistic Clipboard. Code does not apply to tactical clipboards or other bag insert models.
]]>(This editorial was originally published in PUPN Magazine - Feb. 2024)
Dear educators, administrators, and stakeholders in the realm of private higher education, My name is Ivy Schamis and I survived a mass shooting in my classroom. I taught Social Studies at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida for almost two decades. Parkland is a residential town with a close-knit community where I raised my children, and we all thought it was the safest place to live and go to school. Until it wasn’t.
On Valentine’s Day, 2018, a former student managed to get into the school through an unlocked fence, brandishing a tote bag with an assault rifle inside. He made his way to the building where he began his ambush of innocent, unsuspecting students and teachers.
Seconds after my juniors, seniors, and I heard gunshots in the hallway, the gunman was shooting through a glass panel in my classroom door aiming at anything and everything inside. The students and I crouched low to the ground, trying to protect ourselves and each other. We were totally unprepared. We never had an active shooter drill. We never had stop-the-bleed training. There was a shooter with a gun, and we had nothing to protect ourselves.
As we approach the solemn 5th anniversary of the Parkland MSDS shooting February 14th, it is incumbent upon us to reflect on the past, assess the present, and diligently strive to fortify the safety of our academic sanctuaries. It is imperative that each of you embrace a multifaceted approach to campus security, drawing on a range of tools and strategies to create a resilient shield against potential threats.
In the quest for enhanced safety, I would urge all campuses to consider investing in advanced surveillance systems and artificial intelligence-driven threat detection. These technologies offer a proactive means of identifying and responding to potential risks, providing an invaluable layer of security. Establishing robust communication systems, such as mass notification platforms and real-time update apps, ensures that critical information reaches everyone, especially professors and staff, swiftly during emergencies. This offers time to prepare for the DHS response protocol of “Run. Hide. Fight,” and for leaders on campus to initiate safety procedures in a timely manner.
Ballistic protection tools like Hardwire Emergency Response Shields (ERS) are tangible assets. Much like fire extinguishers are staples for any safety-conscious environment, these shields serve as mobile tools, providing physical barriers against gunfire until help arrives, or as supportive tools if first responders do not have the proper equipment on hand to execute their response protocol. While policy change works its way through our legal system, there are tools like these available to protect where before there was nothing. Having these shields available is part of a broader strategy to fortify our educational institutions and create a deterrent as assailants tend to zero in on soft targets. It cannot be stressed enough how important this tangible ballistic protection aspect is to a holistic active-shooter safety plan.
At a time when I had nothing, when my students had only a textbook to shield themselves, something that could stop bullets in real time could have been a gamechanger for the survival of my class. The ERS, paired with other tools like window film, locked doors, and key card entry in a layered defense, could help buy precious time. Window film is a wonderful tool that keeps glass from shattering when shot. This delays the entry of the intruder, creates more decision space, and offers time to inform emergency responders before an assailant can enter the building. Preventative security measures like window film and locks are great additions to a holistic approach in slowing the progress of an assailant, but when it comes down to the wire and victims are faced with an active shooter, a bulletproof shield is worth its weight in gold.
Fostering a culture of preparedness is equally crucial. Regular emergency response drills and simulations acclimate students and staff to effective procedures, reducing panic, and promoting a coordinated response in times of crisis. Inform your community of security updates and tools available for emergency situations. Collaborating with local law enforcement agencies to conduct a thorough threat assessment, share information about potential risks, and plan joint emergency response drills further strengthens our defenses. When everyone is on the same page—staff, students, and law enforcement—there is a greater chance of fluidity in response protocol and ultimately survival. There is strength in numbers when everyone knows what to do, where to go, what the vulnerabilities are, and how to utilize tools they have at their disposal.
Being vocal about your school’s security measures also acts as a deterrent for assailants. A hardened target is less appealing to those who wish to do harm. For example, the New York Police Department (NYPD) used to suffer frequent casualties from officers being assassinated in their vehicles. Once the NYPD started armoring their vehicles, the attacks stopped. Criminals would not even attempt to shoot the police vehicles because they knew it would be of no use. There was common knowledge that attacking officers within their vehicles was ineffective. This model of prevention can also be applied to higher education campuses: having visible protection like cameras, shields hung on walls around campus, signs, and surveillance monitors where people can see themselves entering a space creates an intimidation factor that can keep assailants at bay.
In addition to physical security measures, prioritizing mental health and emotional well-being cannot be overstated. Providing access to counseling services, fostering a sense of community, and promoting mental health awareness contribute to a campus culture that values the well-being of every individual.
As we remember the lives lost at Parkland MSDS, let us honor their memory through action. By embracing a holistic approach to campus security, integrating cutting-edge technologies, fostering preparedness, and prioritizing mental health, we can create an environment where education thrives without fear. It is time for each of us to actively contribute to the creation of a secure and nurturing space for learning.
In unity and commitment,
Ivy Schamis
30% OFF Level 3A Hard Bag Inserts and Clipboards through the end of February (2/29/24).
*Offer valid from 2/16/24-2/29/24 on level 3A Hard Bag Inserts and the Ballistic Clipboard. Code does not apply to tactical clipboards or other bag insert models.
]]>The report details crucial moments during the Uvalde shooting where officers explicitly requested shields. The delays in receiving additional assets, including shields and a specialized tactical team, impacted the response time. As negotiations took place and officers faced intermittent radio difficulties, the need for swift action became evident. The entry team, equipped with only one rifle-rated shield provided by the U.S. Marshals Service, faced challenges securing the scene promptly.
The report vividly depicts instances where officers on the scene explicitly identified the urgent need for shields, as quoted:
In reflecting on the incident, it's crucial to recognize that while the officers needed shields to enter and neutralize, the teachers and students bore the brunt of the danger within the classrooms under direct fire. This underscores the necessity for not only arming law enforcement with proper tools but also ensuring that teachers, administrators, custodial staff, coaches, and students themselves have access to protective measures. The idea that the first responders are not only the law enforcement officers, but also those within the school community becomes evident.
Hardwire, a company specializing in ballistic solutions, took a proactive stance in addressing this issue within their own community. Following the Uvalde shooting, Hardwire donated 1,600+ shields to local school districts, acknowledging that the first responders include not only law enforcement but also teachers and students. By placing shields in the hands of those who would be directly affected, the balance of power begins to shift back in favor of the victims. This strategic approach aligns with the idea that planning seeds for empowering teachers, administrators, custodial staff, coaches, and students, coupled with readily available shields for law enforcement, creates a more resilient and secure environment.
The Uvalde shooting report serves as a stark reminder of the importance of having adequate ballistic tools readily available for both law enforcement and those within the school community. Hardwire's swift response, both in donation and direct outreach to their community, emphasizes the necessity for proactive measures to ensure the safety of all involved. By addressing the deficiencies highlighted in the Uvalde incident and recognizing the broader spectrum of first responders, we take a step closer to fortifying our emergency response capabilities and preventing future tragedies.
]]>Get 25% Off your order of ballistic bag inserts, clipboards, and the Emergency Response Shield® with checkout code: BLACKFRIDAY
BULLETPROOF CLIPBOARD WAS $129 / WITH CODE, NOW $96.75 (SAVE $32.25)
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Coupon Code Valid 11/23/23 - 12/14/23
*Tactical Carbon clipboards with "Police" and "Sheriff" text are not included in this sale. (Only blank carbon tactical clipboards can be discounted by the BLACKFRIDAY coupon code).
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The Rural Maryland Council (RMC) proudly announced that Hardwire, a distinguished manufacturing organization based on the Lower Eastern Shore of Maryland, was selected to receive the Outstanding Rural Economic Development Award at the 2023 Maryland Rural Impact Awards.
The 2023 Maryland Rural Impact Awards, hosted by the Rural Maryland Council, serve to recognize individuals and organizations that have made exceptional contributions to communities throughout rural Maryland. The awards ceremony took place on Monday, November 13, 2023, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Annapolis, Maryland.
Hardwire, a HUBZone Small Business located in Worcester County, has been a pivotal force on the Lower Eastern Shore for several years. Specializing in protective armor systems for military, law enforcement, and civilian applications, Hardwire has not only created family-supporting jobs but has also significantly impacted economic development through innovative and creative solutions.
The company's commitment to a life-saving mission, demonstrated by the development of protective armor systems, has garnered the attention and admiration of the Rural Maryland Council. Hardwire's approach, marked by technological advancements, collaboration, and community support, aligns seamlessly with the criteria set for the Outstanding Rural Economic Development Award.
The Rural Maryland Council's decision to award Hardwire underscores the company's steadfast commitment to a life-saving mission. CEO George Tunis expressed his gratitude, stating, "We are honored to receive the 2023 Maryland Rural Impact Award for Outstanding Rural Economic Development. This recognition is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and innovative spirit of the entire Hardwire team. At Hardwire, we believe in the transformative power of technology, collaboration, and community support. This award is a reflection of our commitment to not only creating jobs and driving economic development but also making a meaningful impact on the well-being of our community."
Honorable Mary Beth Carozza, Maryland State Senate, Commissioner Caryn Abbott of Worcester County, Ms. Nancy Schwendeman, Worcester County Workforce Development Specialist, and Ms. Melanie Pursel, Director of Worcester County Tourism and Economic Development, are among the notable supporters of Hardwire's nomination.
Hardwire's contributions extend beyond economic development to encompass community well-being. The company actively engages with local businesses, supports education initiatives, and has played a crucial role in addressing the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic by producing over 3 million face shields and providing jobs to over 100 Marylanders. Hardwire also donated 1,700+ Emergency Response Shields® to Worcester, Wicomico, and Somerset County schools to offer active shooter protection amongst their halls.
The Outstanding Rural Economic Development Award recognizes programs, projects, or organizations that successfully attract, retain, or create jobs in rural areas. Hardwire's achievements in this regard, coupled with their commitment to community well-being, made them a deserving recipient of this prestigious award.
To learn more about the 2023 Maryland Rural Impact Awards and the Rural Maryland Council, please visit https://rural.maryland.gov/.
For media inquiries or additional information, please contact:
Hardwire, LLC
410-957-3669
About the Rural Maryland Council:
The Rural Maryland Council serves as the State’s federally designated state rural development council and advocate for the interests of rural Maryland. The Council brings together citizens, community-based organizations, government officials, and representatives from the for-profit and nonprofit sectors to collectively address the needs of rural Maryland communities.
About Hardwire, LLC:
Hardwire is a leading developer and supplier of advanced armor systems for military, law enforcement, homeland security, and public facility applications. The company has armored police vehicles for large cities and municipalities, covered miles of the nation’s critical bridges with armor, outfitted countless police officers with life-saving protection, and supplies the U.S. military with hard and soft body armor. Hardwire is located in Pocomoke City, Maryland.
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Hardwire is pleased to offer body armor options to Israel for urgently needed equipment. Hardwire is the leading body armor manufacturer (not a reseller). Based in Maryland, USA, the team currently supplies the U.S. military directly as well as allies through Foreign Military Sales. Hardwire has massive capacity that can be dedicated to expedient delivery and has a multi-decade relationship with all key materials suppliers. Hardwire’s credibility and on-time delivery can be verified through the U.S. government and current customers.
Learn more about Hardwire's Expedient Body Armor Options for Israel in this document.
For more information and bulk orders, please submit an inquiry through our contact page: https://hardwirellc.com/pages/contact
*Best used as a back plate but can be used both front and back if necessary.
*Carrier color may vary. Available in featured Ranger Green, OD Green, and Coyote.
Hardwire is a leading developer and supplier of advanced armor systems for military, law enforcement, homeland security, and public facility applications. The company has armored police vehicles for large cities and municipalities, covered miles of the nation’s critical bridges with armor, outfitted countless police officers with life-saving protection, and supplies the U.S. military with hard and soft body armor. Hardwire is located in Pocomoke City, Maryland.
Hardwire has two more SAVES to share! In partnership with Safariland, Hardwire is honored to share that Officer Michael Laverghetta and Sergeant Erik Bullock were saved in the line of duty by their Hardwire body armor. Below is a the account shared by Safariland, as well as the links to the SAVES Club profiles!
"On April 30, 2023, a component of the Philadelphia Police Department’s SWAT team was dealing with an armed, barricaded suspect. As negotiations broke down, Officer Michael Laverghetta was charged with breaching the door so the contact team could confront the armed suspect and end the standoff. As Officer Laverghetta breached the door, the suspect opened fire with a 12ga shotgun from a position of cover. Officer Laverghetta’s bicep protector was hit, and teammates pulled him to a position of safety. Additional officers moved in, and Sgt. Erik Bullock led a contact team and was clearing a bedroom. The suspect again opened fire and Sgt. Bullock was hit in the bicep protector and cummerbund. He was able to return fire, and the suspect was taken into custody. Both officers’ Safariland Hardwire .68 armor stopped the 12ga shots, and neither had penetrating wounds."
-SAFARILAND SAVES CLUB
https://inside.safariland.com/saves-club/officer-michael-laverghetta/
https://inside.safariland.com/saves-club/sergeant-erik-bullock/
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PARENT RESOURCES
SCHOOL RESOURCES
Mitch Blacher visited Hardwire LLC to tour our facilities and interview Hardwire CEO, George Tunis to spread the word about ballistic shields for active shooter protection. See the full article and news broadcast recording on ABC 7NEWS DC's WJLA website:
“Hardwire’s mission is to improve the survivability of humans. Today’s testimonials from these brave officers fortify this mission and fuels our drive to continually provide innovative, lifesaving armor.”
- George Tunis, Hardwire CEO
"I've taught people, this is where you shoot, this is where you end the threat up or thoracic cavity, we call it. This is where all the good stuff is. Well, I got hit right there and it was a blind shot through a wall. So it was total luck. But I'm here. Standing here talking to you guys today because of what you do. So I want to thank you. You know, people thank police all the time. Thank you for what you do. I wouldn't be standing here talking to you right now if it wasn't for you guys. "
Don's SAVE Armor - Hardwire .68 Level IIIA Ballistics and a Hardwire ICW plate.
"That's when it went from 0 to 5000 miles an hour. A young 16 year old kid comes out from behind the door and basically started unleashing hell on me. I was hit twice. I was struck in my arm and at the time I just I knew I was hit somewhere else...one of my teammates, they said, 'I found a round', well, I glanced over and I was able to see the copper jacket of the nine millimeter round stuck in my throat protector."
Kevin's SAVE Armor - Hardwire .68 Level IIIA Ballistics
"And he starts ripping my vest off and checking me. He tells me there's no holes, there's no blood. You're good...
So what does Mr. Do good do? He calls his wife and says, I'm good. I'm on the way to the hospital. Her response was, Who's hit? Who's down? I say, I'm good. I'm on the way to the hospital, hang the phone up, and everybody shows up. And my oldest is 23 years old who can't stand affection, hates hugs from everybody, comes into the hospital trauma room and she jumps on my bed and she gives me a hug.
And at that moment I knew I knew that I'm here because of someone here. Someone here saved me that day. Thank you very much. I love you all. By the way, the guys that are already."
TJ's SAVE Armor - Hardwire .68 ballistics and Hardwire 007-015-6110 ICW plate stopped the .45ACP round.
Hardwire Recognizes 3 Officers Saved By Company's Products
by Bethany Hooper | April 26, 2023 | The OC Dispatch
Lives Saved By Local Company, Employees
by Steven Green | April 27, 2023 | The OC Dispatch
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Not all bulletproof products are created equal. Let's take a look at what protection levels are and what they protect against!
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- Kassidy Brown, WVVA (Featured Image photo credit to WVVA)
View the full story: https://www.wvva.com/2023/02/20/ranielle-elementary-presented-emergency-response-shield-by-ranielle-police-department/
It’s been 10 years since Sandy Hook and unfortunately, bullets are still flying. But not every community is complacent with the status quo. Some communities still find it difficult to discuss active shooters, but several communities are taking action and making a difference.
Active shooter protection EXISTS. This is not the ‘bulletproof backpack’ you saw on TikTok or a ‘safe room’. We are talking about a critical tool that should be part of a comprehensive program that addresses active shooters – the “fire extinguisher for gunfire” and thousands are being installed in schools today.
From the now 1,700 shields Hardwire, LLC has personally donated to schools on the lower eastern shore of Maryland, to the 250 shields Leo Holt donated to Gloucester City, NJ schools, Hardwire is dedicated to work with schools and community leaders to provide affordable active shooter protection by supplying bulletproof tools that make them feel safe and empowered in emergency situations.
Think about it… there is a comprehensive approach to fire safety for every public building in the country. We have smoke detectors, fire alarms, fire evacuation drills, fire marshals, the fire department, and fire extinguishers. There are training programs, professionals to respond to an emergency, and emergency fire-fighting tools in the case that a fire breaks out. With this wholistic approach, kids do not die in school fires and haven’t for decades.
Right now, our country is lacking the analogous approach to active shooter safety. We have first responders and some training. But most schools lack the “fire extinguisher” emergency tool that can be used until first responders arrive. It took over 100 years from the modern fire extinguisher’s invention until it was mandated by law. We cannot wait 100 years to save kids in schools.
But not all schools are missing the “gunfire extinguisher”. Since the Sandy Hook shooting, Hardwire – an armor manufacturer in Maryland that does most of its work for the Department of Defense and U.S. law enforcement – has been manufacturing Emergency Response Shields and ballistic protection for schools and public facilities. Shields have been implemented in schools in all 50 states over the past decade in a variety of forms.
The Emergency Response Shield is an 18” x 20” active shooter protection shield. It is a piece of armor designed to stop all bullets from assault rifles, shotguns, handguns, and protect against blades, and blunt force weapons. The ERS has been designed to look like a fire extinguisher with clear directions for use printed in between the handles. It can be easily removed from the wall for use by able-bodied individuals in an active shooter emergency. It is a tool that works with Department of Homeland Security’s recommended “Run, Hide, Fight.” It can also be used by first responders when responding to an active assailant incident.
As citizens and parents with the expertise of a military armor company, we didn’t want to see another Uvalde situation happen where teachers, students, and first responders didn’t have the right tools to save lives. And yet it just happened again in St. Louis where a teacher stood in front of her students with nothing. It’s heart-breaking and unacceptable to watch teacher after teacher say “I had nothing” or pay the ultimate price when there is affordable protection that can help – just like a fire extinguisher. Ten years after Sandy Hook, it’s time for leaders, parents, and the public to know that there are tools that can save lives NOW.
https://hardwirellc.com/products/emergency-response-shield-level-3-steel-m2
ERS INTEGRATION: https://hardwirellc.com/pages/ers-integration
HOW THE ERS WORKS: https://hardwirellc.com/pages/how-this-solution-works
TALKING POINTS: https://hardwirellc.com/pages/take-action
OTHER SCHOOL PROTECTION: https://hardwirellc.com/pages/school-office
ERS SCHOOL TRAINING: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zpzKpIlzLoQ
ERS GENERAL TRAINING: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVHi9Qm0dmg
ABOUT THE ERS (Product Video): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=svNPRRobaok
47ABC: Sandy Hook 10 years later: A look at how school security has evolved since
BOSTON GLOBE: New Jersey district equips schools with armor shields in case of mass shooting
PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER: A N.J. school is getting armored shields to protect students and teachers in a mass shooting. Will others follow?
CBS PHILADELPHIA: Gloucester City Schools get 250 bulletproof safety shields
6ABC: NJ School District Installing Shields to Protect Students, Teachers in the Event of Active Shooter
Worcester County Public Schools:
https://www.worcesterk12.org/news/news___information/b_o_e_accepts_school_safety_donation
Somerset County Public Schools:
https://www.somerset.k12.md.us/apps/news/article/1661533
Wicomico County Public Schools:
https://mdcoastdispatch.com/2022/08/11/hardwire-donates-840-shields-for-schools/
PRESS RELEASE
OCTOBER 27, 2022
In September 2022, Hardwire, LLC began execution of two newly awarded Rifle Resistant Ceramic Body Armor Plate Contracts for the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The $9,000,000 combined contracts make available high performance body armor plates that are critical to DOJ Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Agent and Hostage Rescue Team survival during execution of their law enforcement duties.
The contracts will also make available this high-performance protective equipment to other DOJ law enforcement personnel such as Drug Enforcement Agency agents and U.S. Marshals.
“The two new awards for lightweight ceramic plates coupled with our previous FBI steel plate contract is proof that Hardwire is making the best ballistic armor available. The Hardwire team emerged from all three competitions with the highest technical score and lowest price. This is a win for both the agents and the American taxpayer,” said George Tunis, CEO of Hardwire.
Variants of these Hardwire body armor plates are also available to other law enforcement organizations. Hardwire armor is already worn by tens of thousands of police officers and U.S. military personnel.
“Our state-of-the-art robotic facilities, passion for excellence, and superior materials are raising the bar in the armor markets. Our team is fundamentally changing our customer’s expectations for quality, light weight, and performance under fire,” stated Tunis. “The agents and law enforcement professionals are the reason we push for perfection.”
These five-year contracts make available five sizes of torso plates and two sizes of side plates to deliver protection from multiple threats and multiple impacts.
###
Hardwire is a leading developer and supplier of advanced armor systems for military, law enforcement, homeland security, and public facility applications. The company has armored police vehicles for large cities and municipalities, covered miles of the Nation’s critical bridges with armor, outfitted countless police officers with life-saving protection, and supplies the U.S. military with hard and soft body armor. Hardwire is located in Pocomoke City, Maryland. <br>
For more information contact / visit: 410-957-3669, media@hardwirellc.com, www.hardwirellc.com.
ERS INTEGRATION - Active shooter protection system setup. How to integrate the ERS in your office or school.
HOW THE ERS WORKS - Your school already has a lockdown procedure. We can help make it more effective.
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The reality is that while implementing long-lasting solutions is needed, eradicating gun violence in America will take time. However, effective measures – Emergency Response Shields – are available, that can protect teachers and students immediately.
An Emergency Response Shield is armor designed to be hung on the wall in an easily accessible location, much like a fire extinguisher. The shield is the fire extinguisher for gunfire, and should be placed with other emergency tools for ease of access.
In the event of an active shooter situation, able-bodied faculty, staff, and students can protect and defend themselves using the shield. It provides a critical layer of protection when escape is not an option and first responders have not yet arrived. Additionally, the shields are a critical tool for first responders who may or may not have ballistic shields available upon their arrival at the active shooter event.
The shields stop ammunition from assault rifles (including green tip rounds), shotguns, and handguns, and will also protect against blades and blunt force weapons.
In school lockdown or evacuation situations, armor products – coupled with training – empower able-bodied faculty, staff, and students to defend themselves from a threat with added confidence and a greater chance of survival. Armor stops bullets and saves lives.
The technology used in these bulletproof measures is derived from armor technologies developed for Department of Defense Programs, fielded on United States military vehicles, and used in federal law enforcement body armor.
Years of implementation in schools and other public facilities have shown the shields provide significant benefits to mental health, as students and staff feel empowered and protected. Armor can also deter an attack. Predators prefer to attack soft targets and will shy away from a well protected and armored school. While this is a difficult subject for parents and children alike, it is necessary to be proactive and recognize that this horrible situation can happen anywhere. Helping students, other parents, and communities to understand that tools are available can help make everyone safer.
So what can you do?
More information is available at www.hardwirellc.com or feel free to contact us at 1.800.HARDWIRE.
]]>
While many political leaders are working on the implementation of long-lasting solutions, eradicating gun violence and improving mental health in America will take time. But our country and community leaders need to have a bias toward action now. We cannot expect teachers to continue to face active shooters bare-handed with only their courage. Defensive measures such as Emergency Response Shields can protect teachers and students immediately.
Remember the days when fire was fought with buckets of water and a line of humans? Then someone invented the fire extinguisher, the smoke detector, and Smokey the Bear to promote fire prevention. That time is here for active shooter prevention.
An Emergency Response Shield is armor designed to be hung on the wall in an easily accessible location, much like a fire extinguisher. The shield is the fire extinguisher for gunfire, and should be placed with other emergency tools for ease of access.
In the event of an active shooter situation, able-bodied faculty, staff, and students can protect and defend themselves using the shield. It provides a critical layer of protection when escape is not an option and first responders have not yet arrived. Additionally, the shields are a critical tool for first responders who may or may not have ballistic shields available upon their arrival at the active shooter event.
The shields stop ammunition from assault rifles (including green tip rounds), shotguns, and handguns, and will also protect against blades and blunt force weapons.
These defensive measures work with the Department of Homeland Security’s Active Shooter Preparedness Program recommendation to “Run, Hide, Fight” and the Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training (ALERRT) to “Avoid, Deny, Defend.”
In school lockdown or evacuation situations, armor products – coupled with training – empower able-bodied faculty, staff, and students to defend themselves from a threat with added confidence and a greater chance of survival. Armor stops bullets and saves lives.
The technology used in these bulletproof measures is derived from armor technologies developed for Department of Defense Programs and fielded on United States military vehicles and used in federal law enforcement body armor.
Years of implementation in schools and other public facilities have shown the shields provide significant benefits to mental health, as students and staff feel empowered and protected. Armor can also deter an attack. Predators prefer to attack soft targets and will shy away from a well protected and armored school. Products such as this create a renewed sense of security and confidence in both our teachers and students that they can be safe in school.
The time is now for leadership to step up and provide the needed tools for our school communities.
More information is available at www.hardwirellc.com or feel free to contact us at 1.800.HARDWIRE.
]]>Hundreds of thousands of students have been exposed to gun violence since Columbine and it is getting worse, not better – the five deadliest shootings in the U.S. have occurred in roughly the past 10 years. Moreover, 7 in 10 mass shootings have occurred in schools and businesses.
While implementing long-lasting solutions is needed, eradicating gun violence in America will take time. But implementing defensive measures such as Emergency Response Shields can protect teachers and students immediately.
An Emergency Response Shield is armor designed to be hung on the wall in an easily accessible location, much like a fire extinguisher. The shield is the fire extinguisher for gunfire, and should be placed with other emergency tools for ease of access.
The recommendation to follow fire code in terms of shield quantity, installation, and training makes the Emergency Response Shields easy to implement. Installation of the same number of shields as fire extinguishers mean the tool will be easily accessible approximately every 75 feet within the building.
In the event of an active shooter situation, able-bodied faculty, staff, and students can protect and defend themselves using the shield. It provides a critical layer of protection when escape is not an option and first responders have not yet arrived. Additionally, the shields are a critical tool for first responders who may or may not have ballistic shields available upon their arrival at the active shooter event.
The shields stop ammunition from assault rifles (including green tip rounds), shotguns, and handguns, and will also protect against blades and blunt force weapons.
These defensive measures work with the Department of Homeland Security’s Active Shooter Preparedness Program recommendations to “Run, Hide, Fight” and the Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training (ALERRT) to “Avoid, Deny, Defend.”
In school lockdown or evacuation situations, armor products – coupled with training – empower able-bodied faculty, staff, and students to defend themselves from a threat with added confidence and a greater chance of survival. Armor stops bullets and saves lives.
The technology used in these bulletproof measures is derived from armor technologies developed for Department of Defense Programs and fielded on United States military vehicles and used in federal law enforcement body armor.
Years of implementation in schools and other public facilities have shown the shields provide significant benefits to mental health, as students and staff feel empowered and protected. Armor can also deter an attack. Predators prefer to attack soft targets and will shy away from a well protected and armored school. Products such as this create a renewed sense of security and confidence in both our teachers and students that they can be safe in school.
More information is available at www.hardwirellc.com or feel free to contact us at 1.800.HARDWIRE.
TALKING POINTS | When talking to SCHOOL LEADERS
]]>While many political leaders are working on the implementation of long-lasting solutions, eradicating gun violence and improving mental health in America will take time. But our country and community leaders need to have a bias toward action now. We cannot expect teachers to continue to face active shooters bare-handed with only their courage. Defensive measures such as Emergency Response Shields can protect teachers and students immediately.
Remember the days when fire was fought with buckets of water and a line of humans? Then someone invented the fire extinguisher, the smoke detector, and Smokey the Bear to promote fire prevention. That time is here for active shooter prevention.
An Emergency Response Shield is armor designed to be hung on the wall in an easily accessible location, much like a fire extinguisher. The shield is the fire extinguisher for gunfire, and should be placed with other emergency tools for ease of access.
In the event of an active shooter situation, able-bodied person can protect and defend themselves using the shield. It provides a critical layer of protection when escape is not an option and first responders have not yet arrived. Additionally, the shields are a critical tool for first responders who may or may not have ballistic shields available upon their arrival at the active shooter event.
The shields stop ammunition from assault rifles (including green tip rounds), shotguns, and handguns, and will also protect against blades and blunt force weapons.
These defensive measures work with the Department of Homeland Security’s Active Shooter Preparedness Program recommendation to “Run, Hide, Fight” and the Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training (ALERRT) to “Avoid, Deny, Defend.”
In emergency or evacuation situations, armor products – coupled with training – empower able-bodied people to defend themselves from a threat with added confidence and a greater chance of survival. Armor stops bullets and saves lives.
The technology used in these bulletproof measures is derived from armor technologies developed for Department of Defense Programs and fielded on United States military vehicles and used in federal law enforcement body armor.
Years of implementation in schools and other public facilities have shown the shields provide significant benefits to mental health, as students and staff feel empowered and protected. Armor can also deter an attack. Predators prefer to attack soft targets and will shy away from a well-protected and armored school. Products such as this create a renewed sense of security and confidence that they can be safe moving through everyday life.
More information is available at www.hardwirellc.com or feel free to contact us at 1.800.HARDWIRE.
]]>If you’re looking to return or exchange your order for whatever reason, we're here to help! We offer returns within 60 days of purchase. You can return your product for a refund to the original payment method or exchange for a different product. (Upcharge fees are applied if the replacement item is of higher value than the originally purchased item).
Please note the following exceptions to our return and refund policy:
To initiate a return, please click HERE and follow the instructions below:
For questions, contact orders@hardwirellc.com with the following information:
Title the subject line respectively with:*You can find your order number highlighted at the top right of the packing slip sent with your product or in the order confirmation email.
Additional Information:
For additional information or question, contact us at orders@hardwirellc.com.
PRODUCT WARRANTIES
Consumer Product Warranty (Bag Inserts, Clipboards, & ERS)
]]>June 6, 2022 | New School Resources to be Implemented in the Wake of Mass Shootings
by Deja Parker, 47ABC WMDT
June 9, 2022 | Hardwire to Donate 1,600 Shields to Area Schools
by Bethany Hooper, The MD Coast Dispatch
July 12, 2022 | BOE Accepts School Safety Donation
by Worcester County Public Schools
July 13, 2022 | Worcester County Public Schools to Fully Outfit Schools with Emergency Response Shields
by WBOC
August 22,2022 | Parents get Creative with How to Keep Kids Safe at School
by Ugochi Iloka, KHOU11 (*Fact Correction: Hardwire supplied shields to 58 schools not 258).
August 22, 2022 | CEO Dad Supplies 258 (*to 58) Schools with Bulletproof Ballistic Shields
by Giulia Carbonaro, Newsweek (*Fact Correction: Hardwire supplied shields to 58 schools not 258).
August 23, 2022 | Protective Gear and Talks to Consider as Mass Shootings are on a Rise
by Dalencia Jenkins, WBOC
September 16, 2022 | Armoring Police Vehicle Class for Ambush Protection
by Wayne Parham, Police Magazine
September 22, 2022 | Somerset BOE Honors Hardwire, LLC for Emergency Response Shield Donation
by Somerset County Public Schools
December 14, 2022 | Gloucester City Schools get 250 bulletproof safety shields
by Brandon Goldner, CBS Philadelphia
December 14, 2022 | A N.J. school is getting armored shields to protect students and teachers in a mass shooting. Will others follow?
by Melanie Burney, The Philadelphia Inquirer
December 14, 2022 | Sandy Hook 10 years later: A look at how school security has evolved since
by Hannah Cechini, 47ABC
December 14, 2022 | New Jersey schools receive armored shields in case of mass shootings
by Irene Garcia, Local Today News
December 15, 2022 | New Jersey district equips schools with 250 armored shields in case of mass shooting
by Adria Watson, Boston Globe
2022 Hardwire Press Releases & Newsworthy Articles
April 15, 2022 | Javits Car Show - Hardwire Armors the First Electric Police Vehicle For the NYPD
May 27, 2022 | Active Shooter Protection Exists, Offering Protection to Complement Policy Change - Response to Uvalde, TX
June, 2022 | Stop the Bullet: Advancing the state of the Art in Spaced Aircraft Armor
by George Tunis, Emily Tunis, and Ben Kremer, Summer 2022 Edition of Joint Aircraft Survivability Program- JASP
July 7, 2022 | Philadelphia SWAT Officer Saved by Hardwire Body Armor
July 12, 2022 | Hardwire, LLC Awarded Rifle Resistant Steel Plate and Spall Protection Contract by the Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation
]]>Remember the days when fire was fought with buckets of water and a line of humans? Then someone invented the fire extinguisher, the smoke detector, and Smokey the Bear to promote fire prevention. The same is needed for active shooter prevention and protection. Emergency Response Shields are the fire extinguisher for gunfire. Distributed throughout schools and public facilities, they stop bullets and are easily available in an emergency. Teachers today face the problem bare-handed. The ERS is a tool to help – a tool that empowers survival until first responders arrive.
Mass shootings are community-shattering events. That's why Hardwire donated 1,600 shields to their tri-county schools on the lower Eastern Shore of Maryland. If you'd like to see this protection in your community, contact us. It is our mission to protect every school in America.
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PRESS RELEASE
July 7, 2022
HARDWIRE, LLC AWARDED RIFLE RESISTANT STEEL PLATE AND SPALL PROTECTION CONTRACT BY THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
On July 1, 2022, Hardwire, LLC began execution of its newly awarded Rifle Resistant Steel Plate and Spall Protection Contract for the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The $7,000,000 maximum contract makes available high performance body armor plates that are paramount to FBI agent survival during execution of their law enforcement duties.
The FBI is the U.S. Federal Government’s principal agency responsible for investigating violations of more than 260 Federal statutes.
“Hardwire’s team has worked with FBI agents for many years, and we understand the challenges, complexities, and dangers they face in their daily work,” said George Tunis, CEO of Hardwire. “We are honored to provide life-saving protection for these agents who diligently work alongside other partner law enforcement agencies to ensure that justice is served.”
Variants of this Hardwire armor system are also available to other law enforcement organizations. Hardwire armor is already worn by tens of thousands of police officers and U.S. military personnel and has saved several law enforcement officers in the last year alone.
"Our team delivers superior, form-fitting technology to ensure the comfort and safety of our customers. We focus only on durable, rigorously-tested protection that performs flawlessly under fire,” stated Tunis. “The FBI can rest assured that the Hardwire team will continue to provide technology with a military pedigree and unparalleled consistency manufactured with precision automation to keep their agents alive and well.”
This five-year contract makes available five sizes of torso plates and two sizes of side plates to deliver protection from multiple threats and multiple impacts.
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ABOUT HARDWIRE, LLC
Hardwire is a leading developer and supplier of advanced armor systems for military, law enforcement, homeland security, and public facility applications. The company has armored police vehicles for large cities and municipalities, covered miles of the Nation’s critical bridges with armor, outfitted countless police officers with life-saving protection, and supplies the U.S. military with hard and soft body armor. Hardwire is located in Pocomoke City, Maryland.
For more information contact / visit: 410-957-3669, media@hardwirellc.com, www.hardwirellc.com.
]]>Shot in the chest during a drug lab bust in Philadelphia, SWAT Officer Donald Murdoch of the Philadelphia Police Department walks away unscathed.
With his SWAT team, Officer Murdoch was tasked with serving a warrant to a suspected drug lab. Upon breaching the door, Murdoch was shot in the chest with a 9mm after the suspect opened fire through the wall. His Hardwire .68 Level 3A soft armor panel and ICW plate stopped the bullet from penetrating his chest. The suspect surrendered after escaping through a window, and getting cornered by SWAT on the property edge. After a quick hour visit to the hospital, Officer Murdoch was cleared with no lasting injuries.
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ABOUT HARDWIRE, LLC
Hardwire is a leading developer and supplier of advanced armor systems for military, law enforcement, homeland security, and public facility applications. The company has armored police vehicles for large cities and municipalities, covered miles of the Nation’s critical bridges with armor, outfitted countless police officers with life-saving protection, and supplies the U.S. military with hard and soft body armor. Hardwire is located in Pocomoke City, Maryland.
For more information contact / visit:
410-957-3669, media@hardwirellc.com, www.hardwirellc.com.
More about Officer Murdoch:
US NEWS > Bulletproof Vest Saves Philadelphia Officer Serving Warrant
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-By Bethany Hooper, MD Coast Dispatch
This story was written and originally posted on the MD Coast Dispatch>
SALISBURY – A Pocomoke-based armor manufacturing company says it plans to donate roughly 1,600 protective shields to schools in the tri-county area following the events in Uvalde, Texas.
In a Wicomico County Council meeting Tuesday, Hardwire LLC CEO George Tunis announced his company’s plans to donate approximately 1,600 emergency response shields to schools in the tri-county region. The company’s pledge to provide $480,000 worth of active shooter protection equipment came exactly two weeks after a gunman entered an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas, and killed 19 students and two teachers.
“These are family destroying events, and we cannot let that happen in our community …,” Tunis told county leaders this week. “This is just one layer of defense.”
Tunis’s presentation to the county council was just part of a larger discussion this week on school safety and efforts to harden buildings and protect students. Wicomico County Sheriff Mike Lewis said in the days since the Uvalde shooting, he has met with his command staff and SWAT Team operators and has made the decision to retrain and reeducate school resource officers (SROs).
“While I will not publicly disclose what that training will be – I will not publicly disclose what we intend to do – I can tell you I later received a phone call … from Mr. George Tunis and Ms. Emily Tunis,” he said. “They reached out to me on a weekend to talk about working closely with law enforcements and the boards of education in the tri-county region to better harden our schools.”
Tunis said Hardwire aims to protect students. Following the 2012 shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School, he said the company introduced protective equipment at local private schools. And following the 2018 shooting at Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., the company introduced a pilot program at Pocomoke High School.
“We have the technology to do it, we have the means to do it, and we have rolled this out repeatedly after each shooting,” he explained.
Tunis said the plan is to donate an average of 30 shields to each school in the three Lower Shore counties, with each shield being placed next to a fire extinguisher.
School system and law enforcement officials thanked Hardwire representatives this week for the donation. They also highlighted ongoing efforts to address school safety.
“We know this is an area of huge concern, as it should be,” said Superintendent Dr. Donna Hanlin. “It is our top priority, and we are having conversations about it every day and working in partnership with the sheriff’s office through our liaisons there.”
]]>This article was originally posted in the JASP Aircraft Surviveability Journal, click to see the original article.
As aviation systems are developed for the Joint Force, survivability must be integrated as a key component of performance parameters. This threat-based mindset will serve U.S. forces well in the development of balanced and capable platforms that will encounter a variety of operating environments and adversaries. Moreover, when considering survivability-enhancing equipment, options for kinetic/ballistic defeat are critical. Unfortunately, today’s aircraft armor is often heavy and provides limited ballistic threat defeat. The challenge is thus to be able to protect against relevant, highly proliferated armor-piercing (AP) threats without introducing significant weight penalties for the aircraft.
Accordingly, Hardwire, LLC—under an initiative funded by the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) and Special Operations Command (SOCOM) and executed as a Joint Aircraft Survivability Program (JASP) task—has been developing an innovative, lightweight armor technology that has demonstrated defeat of numerous small-arms AP threats. This article provides an overview of this initiative and underlying technology involved.
(Note that, for security reasons, the specific armor areal densities, threats, and round velocities used have been excluded from this overview. For more information on these specifics, readers are encouraged to contact the authors.)
LAYERS, SPACE, AND TUMBLING: A LETHAL COMBINATION FOR KINETIC DEFEAT
Significantly lighter than other modern armor systems, the subject technology incorporates Hardwire’s proprietary Turning Block (TB), which comprises composite materials oriented in a unique topology within a spaced armor system. This system provides for the possibility of numerous survivability options for aircraft in extremely lightweight configurations.
For the recent JASP program, the team’s overall objectives were as follows:
Ultimately, this program was able to exceed these goals, successfully demonstrating a >40% weight savings over today’s state-of-the-art technology.
As shown in Figure 1, this type of spaced armor configuration leverages air gaps between two (or more) panels. The TB panel serves as the strike face of the armor system and is configured to deflect or tumble the incoming projectile. After tumbling, subsequent armor layers catch the projectile. As such, the overall spaced armor package is typically thicker than an armor solution that contains all the protective material as one panel or plate.
The TB panel is followed by an air gap and then a subsequent layer of armor, called a Catcher Plate (CP), which “captures” the incoming, tumbling projectile. The defeat mechanism for the TB relies on that tumbling effect and is not dependent on significant blunting or shattering of the AP penetrator. This approach is different from ceramic-based armor solutions that rely on penetrator shattering to defeat the round. Because the TB relies on penetrator tumbling and not penetrator shattering, it works equally well on threats of all penetrator hardness, which makes it especially weight-efficient against even the most difficult AP threats.
In principle, the larger the air gap is, the further the threat turns, and the lighter the armor system can be. There is a direct correlation between system weight and thickness. The team thus investigated the weight/thickness trade space for specific AP threats and considered various TB materials and thicknesses, CP configurations, and other aspects that affect the ability to integrate the technology on aircraft. These aspects included threat obliquity, backface deformation of the CP, and multihit capability.
TB MATERIAL INVESTIGATION
At the program onset, powder curves and a test setup were established for ballistic evaluation. Ballistic testing was conducted in Hardwire’s gun tunnel using a universal receiver and the range setup shown in Figure 2.
At the start of testing, a baseline TB material made from “traditional” composites was used. The baseline TB material had previously shown success against various AP threats. However, to assess and leverage the improved grades of materials that have been developed over the past decade, higher-grade materials were also investigated. These materials resulted in significant enhancements to the TB’s performance and ultimately enabled the use of lighter-weight and thinner armor than ever achieved before.
Specifically, three material grades for the TB were investigated in this work—Baseline TB, Enhanced TB1, and Enhanced TB2. Using different materials with different properties demonstrated that improvement in raw materials resulted in a better-performing TB. These higher grades of material increased the induced projectile yaw and provided efficient tumble, which allowed the overall system thickness and/or the overall system weight to be reduced without lowering the ballistic protection.
For example, Figure 3 compares two different TB material configurations, with the Enhanced TB1 materials tumbling the threat faster.
This demonstrated significant enhancement in performance allowed the team to focus on the more-effective Enhanced TB1 material. A second improved material—Enhanced TB2—was also investigated. In this case, two different material thicknesses were compared for the two material configurations (see Figure 4).
Both of these enhanced materials were observed to be more effective at inducing projectile tumbling than the baseline TB. It is important to note here that more data exist for the Enhanced TB1, and only limited shots were taken with the Enhanced TB2. Nonetheless, results indicate that the materials are likely similar in performance, with Enhanced TB1 performing slightly better than Enhanced TB2. Enhanced TB1 materials are also known to be more available in raw material form and are less expensive. So, from an optimization perspective, Enhanced TB1 proved to be a preferrable alternative and, therefore, was the main focus of testing for the bulk of the JASP program.
After initial testing, specific TB thicknesses and areal densities were identified to be the most promising. The initial goals were to understand how the projectile tumbled after interacting with the TB and determine the minimum amount of TB material needed to consistently engage the threat and induce the desired tumble.
At or above a specific minimum thickness, the consistency of the TB mechanism was shown to be maintained. This minimum thickness is dependent, of course, on the specific threat to be tumbled. The effort also demonstrated that, due to the statistical nature of ballistics, optimization requires a sufficient amount of testing to ensure that consistency is maintained. Adequate data were captured with various TB thicknesses to demonstrate consistent performance and establish a minimum thickness for the threat of interest (as shown in Figure 5).
Through high-speed video analyses, a projectile tumble rate for various TB configurations (i.e., multiple thicknesses) was calculated (as shown in Figure 6). (Once again, for security purposes, specific thicknesses, which correlate to areal density, have been excluded from this discussion.) As shown, the thicker the TB, the higher the tumble rate of the projectile. With thicker TB, there is more engagement of the TB by the threat, resulting in a more efficient result. The linear relationships are fairly quickly identified.
The team also investigated the TB thickness effect on projectile velocity after TB engagement, but prior to CP impact. While yaw is one significant factor, velocity is another; and TB thickness was found to play a significant role in velocity reduction. Because velocity is directly related to projectile energy, it plays a critical role in the amount of CP needed to arrest the projectile. The significant reduction recorded means less CP material is needed, as there is less energy in the tumbling projectile. This is an important factor to account for in overall system optimization.
Ultimately, this work to better understand the TB phenomenon resulted in a deeper understanding of the TB’s effect on the projectile(s) and of how to most effectively use this part of the spaced armor system.
CP INVESTIGATION
Once the team better understood the TB effect, attention was turned to testing enhanced grades of CP materials and configurations. By varying the air gap and the amount of backer material, testers were able to stop the threats of interest. Similar to that performed for the TB, optimization testing established minimum thicknesses of CP materials required to arrest the tumbling AP projectile. In addition, the trade space between weight in the TB panel vs. the CP panel was explored extensively.
OVERALL SYSTEM PERFORMANCE
By varying CP areal density and distance, the relationship between total system weight and total system thickness became clear. (Note that system thickness is defined as the distance from the front of the TB panel to the back of the CP panel.) This relationship is shown in Figure 7 for three material combinations. Optimized systems were as much as 48% lighter than today’s state-of-the-art technology.
Future testing is expected to further define the trade space and boundaries of weight vs. thickness. Additionally, in using these data as a baseline for future aircraft optimization, armor solutions specific to aircraft geometries, space claim, and threat specifications can be designed.
OTHER TECHNICAL AREAS OF INTEREST
As mentioned, the team also investigated other pertinent aspects of this spaced armor technology, including obliquity, backface deformation of the CP, and the system’s multihit capability. These areas were explored to identify critical elements that should be considered when transitioning this technology to aircraft use.
Although one specific threat was the focus of this effort, multiple AP threats were ultimately tested. Because the TB defeat mechanism is different from traditional defeat mechanisms, this work was done to ensure protection against lower-level rounds was preserved even at these light weights. As expected, the armor demonstrated good multihit capability against the multiple threats.
Additionally, a common question with respect to this technology is, What happens if the projectile impacts at an oblique angle to the TB? Two critical angles of interest were thus investigated. Testing showed that one of these angles lowers the effectiveness of the TB due to the method in which tumble is induced. However, when integrating the TB-based solutions onto platforms, obliquity can be properly considered— through engineering, shotline analyses, and testing—to minimize system vulnerabilities.
Another integration factor of interest was backface deformation. Because this armor system may be mounted in an aircraft interior, it is important to consider what is behind the CP as the composites get in motion to capture and stop the projectile. Testing was thus performed with clay placed behind the CP. Clay is a widely used material in the body armor industry to help measure the backface deformation of armor. As shown in Figure 8, the backface signature was relatively low for these threats, measuring ~38 mm or less.
CONCLUSIONS
Overall, the work discussed herein demonstrated that the subject spaced armor technology can defeat the given AP threats even at extremely lightweight configurations. As mentioned, significant achievements in armor technology development were achieved, ultimately demonstrating a >40% weight savings over today’s state-of-the-art armor solutions. Several parameters were also identified to support integration engineering at the platform level.
Accordingly, the subject lightweight spaced armor technology represents a promising new solution for military aircraft, where weight is always critical, with the ultimate benefit potentially being improved force protection and combat effectiveness in emerging threat environments.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
This program was funded by U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Aviation & Missile Center (DEVCOM AvMC) and SOCOM. Government contributions to this program were considerable, and the authors extend special thanks to Dr. Mark Robeson and Mr. Daniel Camp from the DEVCOM AvMC at Fort Eustis. Mark, Dan, and others from the AvMC team not only provided funding but sparked many technical discussions that significantly enhanced the results of this program.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Mr. George Tunis is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Hardwire, LLC. He has led numerous efforts in the design and production of composite-based armor systems for the U.S. Army, Marine Corps, SOCOM, law enforcement agencies, and critical domestic infrastructure protection. Mr. Tunis holds more than two dozen patents and a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Delaware.
Mrs. Emily Tunis is the President and Chief Operating Officer of Hardwire, LLC. She oversees the company’s business development and operations and manages Government programs. She previously served as a support contractor to the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency. Ms. Tunis holds a bachelor’s degree in physics and mathematics from Washington and Lee University as well as a master’s degree in systems engineering from Johns Hopkins University.
Mr. Ben Kremer is the Lead Survivability Engineer at Hardwire, LLC. He has been involved with and led armor development, engineering, and manufacturing programs for a wide range of applications, including ground vehicles, aircraft, infrastructure, and personnel. Mr. Kremer holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Purdue University.
]]>Click to view the 47ABC Video Segment with Hardwire CEO George Tunis>
WICOMICO COUNTY, Md. – Mass shootings are on the rise and our local schools are taking action now to prevent another death.
Wicomico County Sheriff’s department is teaming up with a manufacturer to put more tools in the classroom to protect students. At Hardwire, LLC emergency response shields will make a difference in the lives of faculty and students.
“We will not delay, we will go in immediately you don’t wait for backup,” says Sheriff Wicomico County Mike Lewis.
Sheriff Lewis is talking about what his officers would do if an active shooter were in one of the Wicomico County schools. Hardwire CEO says they’re putting tools in the classroom, that are easy to grab and go in a fight or flight situation.
“But if you have to fight you need a tool and we want to make sure that the right tools are in the right hands of teachers, SRO’s across the country, and law enforcement so that they’re not waiting for shields to arrive, they’re already there in the school,” says George Tunis, CEO, and Chairman of Hardwire, LLC.
Detailing those resources CEO George Tunis tells us just how strong those tools really are:
“Our products can stop any of the assault rifles or any handgun, shotgun, and knives so the more we see them around and available, what we’ve actually found is students are very comfortable with the teachers are comfortable,” says Tunis.
Worcester County Sheriff Matt Crisafulli says they already have these tactics in place at his schools, but he’s eager to see others get access.
“This is an excellent resource that Hardwire is helping us with. We already have ballistic shielding in some of the schools, what this is going to do is increase the ballistic shieldings and we will continue to work in conjunction with Worcester County public schools,” says Worcester County Sheriff Matt Crisafulli.
Sheriff Lewis says being proactive doesn’t stop there. He says the Wicomico County Sheriff’s department will be well equipped if one of these tragedies were to happen here.
“We are retraining all of our school resource office deputies in the proper response to an active shooter situation while we’re also going to retrain every deputy here in the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office to know what they will do if they respond to an active shooter situation,” says Sheriff Lewis.
The Wicomico County council meeting will be held Tuesday, June 7th at 6 pm.
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POCOMOKE CITY, Maryland – May 27, 2022
Our country is in peril over the devastating massacre of the 19 students and 2 teachers at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, TX. News outlets and law makers are reeling with the flood of ideas around policy change and reform to end mass shootings. Like most initiatives involving the judicial system, change takes time. Time that we, as a country, do not have. The children of America need protection today until reform occurs.
It is imperative that awareness is brought to a technology that can protect against these unthinkable events. Active shooter protection exists. Hardwire LLC has the technology to put Emergency Response Shields in school hallways and classrooms, bulletproof bag inserts in backpacks, and ballistic clipboards in the hands of teachers. Tragedies like this remind us of the need for concrete action to keep people safe in public facilities and schools. Our country must do better at making tools available.
Consider the fire extinguisher. It took roughly 100 years from its invention to be normalized into building code and policy. Today, schools have fire extinguishers every 75ft…. Why not firearm protection too? Hardwire created these products in the wake of Sandy Hook and our solutions are deployed in schools nationwide, but not all schools. Policy change is not going to happen overnight, but we can join together to demand change in our schools right now. We can give our children and their teachers the tools to protect themselves from an active shooter situation. Today.
There’s not just one solution to end mass shootings quickly; but with Hardwire’s school solutions, everyday people have access to practical ways to defend themselves right now until help arrives, buying precious time and decision space. Every day, Hardwire LLC aims toward the mission of improving the survivability of humans. We are biased for action and can help save lives now. Evil is cowardly and tends to shy away from hardened targets; But if it does come in the door, having an immediately available tool to deal with it is paramount.
Hardwire LLC is a ballistic armor company that makes body armor for the U.S. Army, Marine Corps, and Special Ops in addition to armoring Law Enforcement officers and vehicles, including the NYPD. After Sandy Hook, Hardwire created ballistic protection for schools against active shooters.
Hardwire Celebrates May's National Inventors Month with quotes from our top designers, engineers, and thought leaders! On the topic of "inventors" the buzz word "innovation" typically finds its way into the mix; so the question arises, "What is the difference between innovation and invention?"
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"Invention can refer to a type of musical composition, a falsehood, a discovery, or any product of the imagination. The sense of invention most likely to be confused with innovation is “a device, contrivance, or process originated after study and experiment,” usually something which has not previously been in existence.
Innovation, for its part, can refer to something new or to a change made to an existing product, idea, or field. One might say that the first telephone was an invention, the first cellular telephone either an invention or an innovation, and the first smartphone an innovation." (Merriam-Webster)
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As outlined in our Core Values, "Bold Innovation" is a significant pillar of Hardwire's identity. Body armor has been around for centuries, and while we do invent new products, we also innovate to continually refine and hone in on the best possible expression of our vision.
To highlight the great minds behind our consistent innovation, we asked our top STEM leaders do describe the unique innovation nuances they face in their roles at Hardwire.
What innovative project are you most proud of?
A: Fast, often, small, in the kitchen, in the garage, test it, google it, google something like it, try everything at Home Depot, fail, try again, try again, read voraciously on the subject, call an expert, visualize…..be the thing you are trying to solve. The human mind is still the best computer on the planet.
A: One of our Core Values at Hardwire is “Customer. Our sole purpose for being.” When we innovate, we do it with the customer in mind. Innovation absolutely requires creativity, but it also requires a purpose. This means thinking through what our customers really need and/or want. While we might have a creative idea or an innovative technology, it’s only useful if it solves a customer’s problem. We have to focus on what our customers need to be successful in their mission and ensure our creative ideas fit that function. This isn’t to say that our innovations have to be short-term focused. In fact, one of the things that makes Hardwire unique is its long-term vision. But that vision and creativity must be balanced with how we improve the lives of our customers.
A: As an engineer, we are trained to identify, analyze, and solve problems. Innovation is the result of our efforts. It is the product of pulling together all of your life’s experiences and applying them to a problem or need to create a solution. It is a measure of creativity that recognizes the risk someone is willing to take to bring a new idea to life.
A: Through iterative failure comes success. Even the greatest ideas require work. Innovation comes from the persistence to not quit.
A: ...VERY carefully!
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Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Innovation. In Merriam-Webster.com dictionary. Retrieved April 19, 2022, from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/innovation