Greenfield Police Department awarded funding for Guardian Angel devices

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The leading cause of death for on-duty police officers is traffic incidents.

Greenfield police have a new tool to make sure their officers are safe on the road.

"I was out on a traffic stop, and my squad car was struck by a drunk driver while I was dealing with a drunk driver out on the road," said Sargeant James Pizur of the Greenfield Police Department.

Pizur has been on the force for nearly 17 years.

"It's nervous, because you know, your life almost just flashed right in front of you," said Pizur.

While armed with a bulletproof vest, firearms, and other protective equipment, there was still a need for a guardian angel.

"If they're searching a vehicle, if they're trying to talk to somebody, they can be hands-free while dealing with the subject that they are talking to with this illumination," said Pizur.

The Guardian Angel device is a tiny and powerful wearable light meant to save lives.

"This is just another tool our officers can have to help them out on the street while they are doing their jobs," said Pizur.

This year Sargeant Pizur applied for a grant via the Spirit of Blue Foundation to receive funding for protective equipment.

The department was awarded nearly $8,000.

Greenfield Police Department received the Guardian Angel devices from a Wisconsin-based company, Guardian Angels.

"The impact it can have, as far as being a lifesaving device, is truly monumental," said Dan Keller of Guardian Angels.

The department received 65 lights, enough to go around the entire department.

"it’s a re-education of the public to try and make them more aware of this, let them know it’s the law and that when you see these flashing lights, slow down and move over." said Keller.

These devices are the first of their kind used at the Greenfield Police Department.