'A lot of brotherhood here': Black Rain Ordnance holds First Responder Appreciation Day
He was one of hundreds of first responders who turned out for the event.
Black Rain officials said it was a way to reach out to those serving communities across the nation with support and thanks. It was held at the company's Neosho site, where the precision firearms manufacturer has been operating since 2009.
The event was open to the entire first responder community, including law enforcement, EMS, 911 dispatch, fire departments and active military.
'A life of service is a life of purpose,' said Kyle Hicks, marketing manager at Black Rain Ordnance. 'When you have things you can believe in, you can stand for something. We choose to stand behind the people that protect and serve our community, the thankless jobs, the ones that are often overlooked. In today's world, it's important to remember what makes us great, and it's people who serve our community that make us great.'
The day included a home-cooked lunch and several vendors demonstrating products such as pistols, long-range rifles, less-lethal rounds and medical response equipment.
As a national dealer for law enforcement, Black Rain drew visitors from as far away as Louisiana.
'It's a day for us to give back,' Hicks said. 'Most of our staff is either former law enforcement or military, and that's a deep part of who we are. Being able to give back and continue to serve that community really speaks to the core of our beliefs.'
Akins said the event was good opportunity for him to talk with peers, some of whom have been doing this longer or may have similar cases they are working.
'I just want to hopefully make some good contacts, talk with some vendors and go from there,' Akins said. 'Black Rain has supported law enforcement pretty much from the go. This is just their way of giving back to us, and it's just great.'
Alex Scrivner, sales director for law enforcement for Templar Tactical and Outdoor out of St. Louis, was on hand Thursday presenting nonlethal options that launch things such as pava, a small capsule containing a strong irritant powder. The rounds are meant for compliance and de-escalation, he said.
In addition to working with Templar Tactical, Scrivner has worked in law enforcement for many years and currently is an officer in Breckenridge Hills. He said reaching out to officers is a passion of his and that he wanted to attend the event offering officers another tool to help them with de-escalation and perhaps save a life.
'It's good to have a day like today where guys can come out and have fun and de-stress,' Scrivner said. 'This is very important because it helps guys get away from all of the day-to-day and relax. They can share their experiences in law enforcement and solutions to problems. There's a lot of networking, a lot of brotherhood here.'
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