The Kiowa County Sheriff's Office received seven ballistic vests from SHIELD616, a nonprofit dedicated to equipping law enforcement officers across Colorado, at a June 3, 2026, ceremony hosted at Praise Community Church.

Ballistic vests are among the most expensive pieces of equipment required by law enforcement and must be replaced every five years. SHIELD616, founded by Jake Skifstad, a former Colorado Springs Police Department officer, donates vests to agencies throughout the state.

The event was hosted by Deborah and Lane Gooden at Praise Community Church, with community members attending to show support for the Sheriff's Office.

Skifstad, who served 14 years as a police officer before founding SHIELD616, shared the story of an incident during his law enforcement career that led him to establish the organization. On the SHIELD616 website, he describes the mission in his own words:

"Along the way God gave me a vision of law enforcement being protected, loved, and supported. That vision has become SHIELD616. I believe that God doesn't give us plans, visions and steppingstones to be ignored. I'm working every day to share this vision with people all over the country. Our team is working tirelessly that we might help first responders go towards danger knowing that they have the best physical protection available and the love of their community behind them."

The Kiowa County Sheriff's Office expressed gratitude to SHIELD616, its donors, and supporters who make the organization's work possible.

More information about SHIELD616 is available at shield616.org.