Officer receives new vest after being shot

Friends, family and coworkers gathered Friday at the Franklinton Police Department for a special ceremony that saw Sgt. Chad Dorsett receive a new bulletproof vest.

Dorsett was on duty the evening of December 19, 2013 when he and other officers responded to a 911 call regarding a subject being shot in the arm. After arriving and finding the suspect barricaded in a mobile home, officers attempted to gain entry through a cracked door.

The suspect fired a shot using a 9 mm handgun that went through Sgt. Dorsett's forearm before lodging in his bulletproof vest. Once Dorsett realized he was hit, he turned to Chief Donald Folse to let him know.

"He never panicked and he never lost his cool," said Chief Folse. "He told me that he was hit and I escorted him back near the units to a safe area. He had enough wit about him to tell me that there was a bullet in the chamber and the gun was set to fire. He asked me to take the gun off of him after making me aware. That's the kind of people we have in our department.

"Chad's been around enough to know and instincts kick in. I'm proud of the way he handled himself and I'm proud to have him with the Franklinton Police Department."

Safariland Group, the supplier of bulletproof vests for the department, was represented by domestic account manager Erik Belsom.  Belsom presented Sgt. Dorsett with a new bulletproof vest before honoring him with a plaque to make Dorsett a member of the Safariland "Saves Club".

"We’re here today to make Chad a part of our Saves Program," said Belsom. "He's our 1878th documented save and we want to recognize and acknowledge his sacrifice and commitment. Today is about Chad and the Franklinton Police Department."

Sgt. Dorsett realizes the importance of wearing the bulletproof vest especially after being shot.

"I heard the shot and then felt a burning in my arm," recalled Dorsett. "I didn't realize it had hit me in the vest. I remember telling somebody I was shot – that they got me. I moved back towards the road and then saw the blood trickling down my arm and then it (the pain) hit me in my chest. Then I worried about it going through.

"I took my (injured) left arm and reached under my vest and saw blood when I looked at my hand. Then I realized it was from my arm that had been hit. Then I put my right arm under the vest and realized the Safariland vest had stopped the bullet. I was very relieved and then it was all about preserving evidence."

Bulletproof vests have become hard for police departments to afford these days. They have a five-year life expectancy, but the average vest being worn by Louisiana policemen is 10-12 years old. The vest that Sgt. Dorsett was wearing when he got shot was almost 5 years old.

"We realize the importance of why everyone needs to wear their vests," said Chief Folse."Unfortunately, it's a strain on smaller departments to be able to afford the vests. They're getting very expensive and we used to be able to get grants for them. That's next to nonexistent now. We just have to do what we have to do to make sure our officers are safe."

At Tuesday's Board of Aldermen meeting, Alderman John Daniel stated that funds are already set aside in a Capital Improvements account to purchase new vests for all officers.

"It's very important to us as a Council to make sure we give our officers everything they need to keep them safe and help them do their job," said Daniel.

Belsom with Safariland said the vests cost anywhere from $500-$900 depending on the model. The more expensive vests are lighter and more comfortable. Belsom noted that makes a difference when officers are wearing polyester uniforms on long shifts and working in the August heat. "Vests work and they save lives," said Belsom.

Sgt. Dorsett, his coworkers, family and friends realize how true that statement is.

"I'm a newfound believer in what vests can do," said Dorsett just minutes before taking a family picture with his wife and kids. "I want to thank my wife for being the vest police and making sure I wear it every time I come to work."

Sgt. Chad Dorsett receives a new bulletproof vest from Safariland's Erik Belsom. Chief Donald Folse (left) looks on.

(L-R) Chief Donald Folse, Sgt. Chad Dorsett and Erik Belsom