February 20, 2003

100 Club of Houston 

The 100 Club of Houston on Thursday presented 25, ballistic vests, better known as bullet proof vests, to members of the Galveston Police Department SWAT Team. 

"This is a great day," said Assistant City Manager Brandon Wade in opening a news conference in front of the Public Safety Building.  "The police department, and especially the SWAT Team, put their lives on the line on a continuing basis for everyone."

"The 100 Club of Houston continually lives up to the mission of providing lifesaving public safety equipment for professionals who are always in harm's way," noted Galveston Police Lieutenant Henry Poretta.  "The Galveston Police Department SWAT Team travels throughout the county when requested. However, from time to time, we have had less than adequate equipment, including protective equipment for our members."

The donation was the result of an appeal by Poretto and Galveston Police Chief Bob Pierce to the board of directors of the 100 Club.

"We are extremely pleased to be able to make this gift to the members of the Galveston SWAT Team," said Rick Hartley, executive director of the 100 Club, explaining that the organization has provided more than $8 million in life protecting equipment to peace officers in ten counties surrounding Houston.

The 25 heavy duty vests provided to the Galveston officers on Thursday are valued at $26,112.50.

Police Chief Bob Pierce also issued an update on Sergeant Jerry Roberts, who was recently critically wounded in an incident on the Seawall.  Roberts, whose condition has been  upgraded to "serious," was due to be moved from the intensive care unit to a hospital room. 

A blood drive for Roberts was underway at the same time as the news conference.

Membership in the 100 Club is $100 per year, or $1,000 for a lifetime membership.  For information call (713) 952-0100 or visit www.the100club.org.