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.

For visitors to THE FORCE® booth, the IACP conference was not only an educational experience but a philanthropic one as well. The Force held a special fundraiser called the Big Game Challenge in their booth that ultimately raised almost $4000 for Concerns of Police Survivors. For a donation of $5 or more to C.O.P.S., Chiefs from around the world got a chance to play Cabela's Dangerous Hunts 2009, a hunting game where your shooting skills are put to the test. The participant with the highest score received a $2500 Travel Gift Certificate.

Reading PA. October 14, 2009-Elbeco Incorporated of Reading, Pennsylvania received national recognition for its commitment and financial support of the National Law Enforcement Museum at a fund raising reception held in Denver, Colorado on October 4th.

At the recent International Police Chief's convention held in Denver, CO, Rikki Klieman, serving as emcee for the evening's event, and Craig Floyd, chairman and chief executive officer of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, presented David Lurio, President of Elbeco, with an award recognizing the company for its support. The reception, attended by many of the police chiefs from major U.S. cities, has been part of a national fund raising effort that has raised over $40 million to date.