EDEN, NORTH CAROLINA, June 7, 2013 — KDH Defense Systems, Inc. (KDH), a leading manufacturer of American-made custom body armor solutions for military, law enforcement, federal agencies and corrections, today announced that it has sponsored the Southeastern Massachusetts METROLEC SWAT Team in the upcoming Boston Strong First Responders Workout Marathon to be held June 22^nd and June 23^rd at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts. The event has been organized to provide financial assistance to victims of the recent Boston Marathon bombing.

“This unique event, hosted by the METROLEC SWAT Team in conjunction with Gillette Stadium, will feature a 26-hour First Responder Workout Marathon to raise money to assist victims of the Boston Marathon bombing, including MBTA Officer Richard Donohue and the family of slain MIT Officer Sean Collier,” said Paul Larkin, KDH’s National Sales Director. “KDH is pleased to pledge $2,600.00 to the METROLEC SWAT team for this event and we encourage other industry manufacturers to participate as well. KDH will also be donating an Active Shooter Response Kit to the team, which they in turn will be raffling during the event. All proceeds from the Workout Marathon will be donated to The One Fund.”

The Workout Marathon will be held at Gillette Stadium on Saturday, June 22^nd led by cross-fit & fitness coaches and will begin at 2:50 p.m., the time of the first explosion at the finish line of the Boston Marathon on Boylston Street. The event will conclude on Sunday, June 23^rd at 5 p.m. The Workout Marathon is open to military and first responders, including police, fire, EMS and hospital emergency staff, all of whom are encouraged to enter teams. The workout marathon will consist of 26 separate workout stations in and around Gillette Stadium and Patriot Place. All competitors will compete in and finish this event in the same way that they responded to the events at the Boston Marathon; One team, One mission.

For additional information, please visit the Boston Strong First Responders Workout Marathon website.

ABOUT KDH DEFENSE SYSTEMS, INC.

KDH Defense Systems, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of American-made custom body armor solutions for military, law enforcement and federal agencies. Headquartered in Eden, North Carolina, a region with a rich history in the U.S. textile industry, KDH Defense Systems’ ISO 9001 certified manufacturing facility currently consists of 139,000 square feet of armor cutting, sewing and ballistic design operations, as well as product development, sales and administration. The Eden facility resides in Rockingham County.

Paul Larkin, KDH’s National Director of Sales, provides a brief overview of the new Transformer Armor System, the industry’s first modular, scalable concealable armor system. As Paul states, it’s a whole new way to wear and care for your concealable armor!

ABOUT KDH DEFENSE SYSTEMS, INC.

KDH Defense Systems, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of American-made custom body armor solutions for military, law enforcement and federal agencies. Headquartered in Eden, North Carolina, a region with a rich history in the U.S. textile industry, KDH Defense Systems’ ISO 9001 certified manufacturing facility currently consists of 139,000 square feet of armor cutting, sewing and ballistic design operations, as well as product development, sales and administration. The Eden facility resides in Rockingham County.

EDEN, NORTH CAROLINA, May 28, 2013 — KDH Defense Systems, Inc. (KDH), a leading manufacturer of American-made custom body armor solutions for military, law enforcement, federal agencies and corrections, today announced that its distribution partner, Galls, LLC (Galls), a world leader in distributing law enforcement and public safety equipment, has been awarded a contract by the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) to provide KDH’s Level II and IIIA concealable body armor and polyethylene special threat plates for LAPD’s law enforcement officers.  The award is a multi-year contract and is the first time that LAPD has issued a solicitation for body armor based on the new NIJ Standard-0101.06.

“This was a department-wide solicitation by the LAPD for concealable ballistic armor and polyethylene special threat plates to be worn while on patrol,” said Paul Larkin, National Sales Director for KDH. “LAPD’s criteria was extremely specific to performance against special threat ammunition testing and verification of areal density weight requirements. All of the ballistic testing and verification was conducted at an NIJ approved ballistic laboratory. In addition, an officer wear test was conducted which included both male and female officers in Level II and Level IIIA armor over a thirty-day period. Following this testing, the LAPD announced on April 3, 2013, that KDH Defense Systems was the only body armor manufacturer who met the LAPD’s specifications.”

Dave Herbener, Chief Executive Officer for KDH commented, “One of the key factors we believe resulted in this award was the proven performance of KDH’s advanced LTST and LTSTF special threat series ballistic systems, as these were specifically identified by LAPD as meeting their rigid specifications. This award, by the third largest law enforcement agency in the United States, underscores KDH’s commitment to developing and providing the very best in life-saving ballistic protection while simultaneously allowing for officer comfort, mobility, functionality and operational performance. We are pleased that Galls has been selected by the LAPD as their trusted supplier of concealable body armor and we appreciate the confidence they have shown in KDH’s life saving products. We encourage other U.S. law enforcement agencies interested in benefitting from the extensive and proven LAPD protocol test to contact KDH today.”

ABOUT KDH DEFENSE SYSTEMS, INC.

KDH Defense Systems, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of American-made custom body armor solutions for military, law enforcement, federal agencies and corrections. Headquartered in Eden, North Carolina, a region with a rich history in the U.S. textile industry, KDH Defense Systems’ ISO 9001 certified manufacturing facility currently consists of 139,000 square feet of armor cutting, sewing and ballistic design operations, as well as product development, sales and administration. The Eden facility resides in Rockingham County. Website: www.KDHdefensesystems.com

ABOUT GALLS, LLC

Galls LLC,  “The Authority In Public Safety Equipment and Apparel” is the industry leading supplier of uniforms and duty gear to public safety professionals for over 45 years.  Based in Lexington, KY, Galls markets under the brand names Galls and Quartermaster.  Galls serves more than one million customers per year through its websites, internationally recognized catalog, highly trained inside and outside sales forces and nine retail service center locations. For more information about Galls, visit www.galls.com

The men and women who serve, and who have served, in the Armed Forces are no less committed to protecting our nation than were the men who signed The Declaration of Independence. Their final words declare that “… for the Support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.” Our Armed Forces continue to maintain that same standard of commitment and honor that was declared more than two centuries ago.

On this Memorial Day 2013, join KDH Defense Systems in pause to reflect on just what has been given, and sacrificed so freely, so that Freedom could ring across this great land.

ABOUT KDH DEFENSE SYSTEMS, INC.

Headquartered in Eden, North Carolina, a region with a rich history in the U.S. textile industry, KDH Defense Systems’ ISO 9001 certified manufacturing facility currently consists of 139,000 square feet of armor cutting, sewing and ballistic design operations, as well as product development, sales and administration. The Eden facility resides in Rockingham County.

WHEN:
Monday, June 10th, 2013  •  9:00 am – 1:00 pm

WHERE:
Sanders County Sheriff’s Office Outdoor Range, Thompson Falls, MT

RSVP:   Lynn Lanzoni • 406-827-2216 • tfl0093@blackfoot.net

Note: Last minute attendees are welcome, however, we appreciate your advance registration for lunch planning purposes.

► Download & Print Event Information pdf

AGENDA:

9:00 – 9:30 – Registration & Check-In - Continental Breakfast Provided

9:30 – 10:30 – Advanced Body Armor Seminar
• Body Armor 101 – Threat Level Selection & Material Composition
• Review of NIJ 0101.06 Standard – Ballistic Resistance of Body Armor
• History behind the new Standard – the old vs. the new
• What the new standard means and how it affects your choice of armor
• Writing a solid specification for your departmental armor needs
• Hands-on sampling of new KDH NIJ .06 armor packages
• Q&A session with presentation team and agency participants

10:30 – 10:45 – Break Period

10:45 – 11:45 – Live Fire Range Demo – KDH NIJ.06 Standard Body Armor

12:00 – 1:00 – Lunch - Sponsored by KDH Defense Systems, Inc.

ABOUT KDH DEFENSE SYSTEMS, INC.
KDH Defense Systems, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of American-made custom body armor solutions for military, law enforcement and federal agencies. Headquartered in Eden, North Carolina, a region with a rich history in the U.S. textile industry, KDH Defense Systems’ ISO 9001 certified manufacturing facility currently consists of 139,000 square feet of armor cutting, sewing and ballistic design operations, as well as product development, sales and administration. The Eden facility resides in Rockingham County, which has been designated a Federal HUB Zone region in its entirety by the Small Business Administration.

KDH Defense Systems, Inc. sponsored and exhibited at the 2012 Annual Tucson Station MWR (Morale, Welfare & Recreation) Golf Tournament held today at the Hilton El Conquistador Golf & Tennis Club in Ora Valley, a community subset of Tucson, Arizona. Pictured above center is KDH’s West Coast Regional Manager, Brian Wong, along with two unidentified CBP agents.

ABOUT KDH DEFENSE SYSTEMS, INC.

KDH Defense Systems, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of American-made custom body armor solutions for military, law enforcement and federal agencies. Headquartered in Eden, North Carolina, a region with a rich history in the U.S. textile industry, KDH Defense Systems’ ISO 9001 certified manufacturing facility currently consists of 139,000 square feet of armor cutting, sewing and ballistic design operations, as well as product development, sales and administration. The Eden facility resides in Rockingham County.

Paul Larkin, KDH’s National Sales Director, conducted a Live-Fire Demonstration and Body Armor Seminar with the Florence Police Department and surrounding agencies in Florence, Arizona this week.

The most recent NIJ Standard 0101-06 – Ballistic Resistance of Body Armor, as well as threat level selection and material composition was discussed. In addition to what the new standard means, attendees learned how it affects their choice of body armor. Also in attendance representing KDH Defense Systems was Brian Wong, KDH’s West Coast Regional Manager and Don Constantino with MES (Municipal Emergency Services).

ABOUT KDH DEFENSE SYSTEMS, INC.

KDH Defense Systems, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of American-made custom body armor solutions for military, law enforcement and federal agencies. Headquartered in Eden, North Carolina, a region with a rich history in the U.S. textile industry, KDH Defense Systems’ ISO 9001 certified manufacturing facility currently consists of 139,000 square feet of armor cutting, sewing and ballistic design operations, as well as product development, sales and administration. The Eden facility resides in Rockingham County.

KDH Defense Systems exhibiting during the Mock Prison Riot at the West Virginia Penitentiary in Moundsville, Virginia. Pictured above, left to right, is Bill Beverley, GSA/Federal Executive Sales Manger for KDH, along with Carl Grove from Lawmen’s Supply. Also on-hand representing KDH Defense Systems but not shown in above image is Garry Novak, KDH’s Central States Regional Manager.

KDH Defense Systems, Inc. (KDH), a leading manufacturer of American-made custom body armor solutions for military, law enforcement, corrections and federal agencies, is showcasing its advanced body armor solutions at the Mock Prison Riot being held May 7th and 8th at the West Virginia Penitentiary in Moundsville, Virginia.

A unique version of KDH’s new Forced Cell Extraction Vest (FCEV-05) was utilized by an entry team during a training scenario at the Mock Prison Riot.

KDH is featuring a wide array of corrections and tactical law enforcement armor solutions including the new Forced Cell Extraction Vest (FCEV-05), a blunt force protection vest featuring full upper torso, shoulder/biceps, groin and neck protection. The vest features a user friendly closure system that allows the officer to easily put the garment on without assistance.

The Mock Prison Riot is a four-day, comprehensive law enforcement and corrections tactical and technology experience, including 40,000 square feet of exhibit space, training scenarios, technology demonstrations, certification workshops, a skills competition, and unlimited opportunities for feedback, networking, and camaraderie on a global scale.  The Mock Prison Riot is a program of the West Virginia Division of Corrections and the West Virginia Corrections Training Foundation where exhibitors and operators work together in a living, breathing environment, continually pushing the envelopes of tactics and technology.

ABOUT KDH DEFENSE SYSTEMS, INC.

KDH Defense Systems, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of American-made custom body armor solutions for military, law enforcement and federal agencies. Headquartered in Eden, North Carolina, a region with a rich history in the U.S. textile industry, KDH Defense Systems’ ISO 9001 certified manufacturing facility currently consists of 139,000 square feet of armor cutting, sewing and ballistic design operations, as well as product development, sales and administration. The Eden facility resides in Rockingham County.

Click here to download pdf

About National Police Week

In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation which designated May 15th as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which that date falls as Police Week. Currently, tens of thousands of law enforcement officers from around the world converge on Washington, DC to participate in a number of planned events which honor those that have paid the ultimate sacrifice.

The Memorial Service began in 1982 as a gathering in Senate Park of approximately 120 survivors and supporters of law enforcement. Decades later, the event, more commonly known as National Police Week, has grown to a series of events which attracts thousands of survivors and law enforcement officers to our Nation’s Capital each year.

The National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service, which is sponsored by the Grand Lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police, is one in a series of events which includes the Candlelight Vigil, which is sponsored by the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) and seminars sponsored by Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.)

National Police Week draws in between 25,000 to 40,000 attendees. The attendees come from departments throughout the United States as well as from agencies throughout the world. This provides a unique opportunity to meet others that share a common brotherhood. These events are open to all law enforcement personnel and are an experience unlike any other.

ABOUT KDH DEFENSE SYSTEMS, INC.

KDH Defense Systems, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of American-made custom body armor solutions for military, law enforcement, corrections and federal agencies. Headquartered in Eden, North Carolina, a region with a rich history in the U.S. textile industry, KDH Defense Systems’ ISO 9001 certified manufacturing facility currently consists of 139,000 square feet of armor cutting, sewing and ballistic design operations, as well as product development, sales and administration. The Eden facility resides in Rockingham County.

KDH’s Todd Meade models one of the actual vests that will appear in this Friday’s Season Finale of CBS’ Blue Bloods.

When the NYPD’s 8-man ESU team moves in at the height of action during this Friday night’s (May 10th) season finale of CBS’ Blue Bloods, they’ll be wearing VBSS tactical vests from KDH Defense Systems.

Blue Bloods is a popular American police procedural/drama series on CBS and is filmed on location in New York City. The show, starring Tom Selleck, Donnie Wahlberg and Bridget Moynahan, averages 13 million viewers per episode.

KDH’s VBSS stands out as truly an operators vest providing a high degree of mobility with minimum profile. The VBSS is an advanced assault style, side-opening outer carrier vest system. Based on a ‘shooters cut’ ballistic outline, the operator will immediately appreciate the unique features this vest offers.

CBS Blue Bloods • Season Finale • Friday, May 10, 2012 • 10 EDT • 9 CDT

ABOUT KDH DEFENSE SYSTEMS, INC.

KDH Defense Systems, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of American-made custom body armor solutions for military, law enforcement, corrections and federal agencies. Headquartered in Eden, North Carolina, a region with a rich history in the U.S. textile industry, KDH Defense Systems’ ISO 9001 certified manufacturing facility currently consists of 139,000 square feet of armor cutting, sewing and ballistic design operations, as well as product development, sales and administration. The Eden facility resides in Rockingham County.