By Dana Mehnert (pictured above left), Group President, Harris RF Communications Division

The Unity XG-100 Full-Spectrum Multiband Radio has received the SDR Forum Technology of the Year Award. The radio, manufactured by Harris, an international communications and information technology company, provides federal, state and local agencies with a portable "one-for-all" solution delivering true interoperability to first responders and public safety professionals.

"By voting the Harris Unity XG-100 as our Technology of the Year, our membership has recognized numerous innovative technologies inherent in this breakthrough product," said Lee Pucker, the SDR Forum chief executive officer.

"Products such as this one are important in showing the advanced capabilities of SDR technologies in deployment and advancing the field of next-generation radio technologies,"
The Unity XG-100 supports digital APCO P25 secure and analog FM communications across VHF, UHF, 700 MHz and 800 MHz public safety bands in a single portable radio. Its capabilities enable first responders to use a single radio to communicate with multiple jurisdictions and agencies operating on different frequencies and systems.

SIG SAUER, Inc. announced on December 18 that it has secured a multi-million dollar contract to deliver pistols to the Federal Air Marshal Service. The contract provides the Federal Air Marshal Service with SIG SAUER's P250 Compact pistol in .357 SIG caliber. The versatile and innovative design concept of the P250 pistol is developed around a serialized modular frame and fire control assembly.

Ron Cohen, President and CEO of SIG SAUER, said, "The Company is very proud and honored to be awarded this contract from such a prestigious agency requiring such exceptionally high standards." Mr. Cohen noted that "the P250 is quickly earning a reputation for superior reliability and dependability," which he believed helped take it to the forefront of some very grueling competition.

OfficerStore.com, a division of Witmer Public Safety Group, Inc. (WPSG), a leading supplier of public safety equipment and supplies, announced on November 23 that Jay Kehoe has been appointed Sales Director, Eastern Region. Kehoe's initial efforts will be establishing and managing strategic relationships and alliances with agencies, cities and municipalities; positioning WPSG as a premier supplier of law enforcement equipment, fire fighting equipment and other public safety equipment.

WPSG has been experiencing rapid growth nationwide and wanted to increase direct sales efforts in key areas of the eastern United States. "This newly created position fits perfectly with our geographic expansion plans. We are excited to see Jay identify, develop and cultivate business opportunities within local, state and federal law enforcement agencies", said James A. Witmer, CEO of WPSG. "I've known Jay for years and have always been impressed by his knowledge and passion for all the facets of public safety. He is an expert in the industry and will be a great asset to our company."

Sergeant Ben Bolton with the Alexandria (VA) Police Department, described Jennifer Thacker as, "One of the worst survivors I had ever seen," when he greeted her at the airport for National Police Week in 1999. Sgt. Bolton continued, "Jennifer looked so beaten down and so broken, for her to rise up to be Concerns of Police Survivors' National President is truly amazing."

Jennifer Thacker lost her best friend and husband, Agent Brandon Thacker with the Kentucky Department of Alcohol and Beverage Control, on April 16, 1998, when he was shot during an undercover assignment. Jennifer was left alone to raise their 1 ½ year old daughter, Katherine.

Jennifer turned to Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.) during her greatest time of need.
Anne McDanel, Jennifer's mother, recalls, "It seemed nobody in our family or her friends could understand Jennifer's pain. Being her mother and seeing her suffer so terribly, made me feel helpless. I had no idea where my daughter and granddaughter would find support. But when she walked into the National Police Survivors' Conference sponsored by C.O.P.S. that National Police Week, I knew she found people who understood her pain and suffering."

In the course of conducting a product demonstration, Bryan Piester, a regional sales manager for FNH USA, listened to some of the recent difficulties experienced by the New Roads (Louisiana) Police Department.

After the department building was destroyed by fire in 2007 - along with several duty handguns - budgetary constraints prohibited replacement of the lost guns. Additionally, the duty weapons currently in use by the New Roads PD are over 10 years old: parts from damaged guns were in use to keep the weapons safe and working.