The men and women of law enforcement have a challenging job. They put their lives on the line daily to protect people they do not even know. They operate in an environment where even a routine call can turn tragic.

Many work long hours for little pay. And of course, they often receive very little appreciation. We all know the feeling: We see blue lights, we pull over, and we think more on the inconvenience we experience than the noble public service performed by the officer.

But one thing we should not be willing to let them do without is the one piece of equipment that could mean the difference between life and death – a bulletproof vest.

Too many, however, tempt fate by hitting the streets without life–saving body armor. In 1993, a sheriff’s deputy who was speaking to a local civic club told us that many officers do not have bulletproof vests. The vests can be expensive, and need to be replaced regularly due to wear–and–tear, he said. We were shocked.

We huddled to find a way to supply more vests for law enforcement, and the result was In–Vest USA.

More than 15 years later, In–Vest has thrived, providing thousands of vests for law enforcement officers here in South Carolina and across the nation. We raise the money for the vests, relying on private donations and fundraisers, and then purchase them wholesale to save money. We’ve enjoyed tremendous support from business leaders including Carrabba’s, BellSouth, Wachovia, DuPont, SCANA, South Carolina Bank and Trust and CiCi’s and political leaders such as Attorney General Henry McMaster, Lt. Governor Andre Bauer, Sen. Lindsey Graham, Rep. Joe Wilson and many others.

On Friday, Oct. 8, I personally delivered six vests to police in the small, cash–strapped St. Stephen, S.C. The police chief told me he’ll sleep better at night knowing his men are better protected. The donation was important because the town is on a tight budget and couldn’t afford new vests.

And that’s the case across the state and nation. As the economy remains in the doldrums and tax revenues dwindle, town and county governments find themselves with fewer resources to support their law enforcement agencies. At the same time, times of economic hardship cause a reduced quality of life and an increase in criminal activity.

Even with a national recession causing a shortfall of public money, we shouldn't be content to let any officer work without a bulletproof vest. Let's commit to protecting those who protect us. To find out how you can help, visit www.in-vest.org or call 1-877- 775-VEST, 803-556-2528, or write In–Vest USA, PO Box 23489 Columbia, SC 29224-3489.