Are We Doing Enough to Keep First Responders Safe?

"Officer down." It’s the phrase no first responder ever wants to hear, yet for those working in low-visibility conditions—on highways, at accident scenes, in severe weather—the risk of being struck by a vehicle is an ever-present danger.

It’s not just a possibility—it’s happening in communities across the country.

According to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund*, it’s the second leading cause of traffic-related injuries for first responders. In the first half of 2024 alone, 26 law enforcement officers were killed in struck-by incidents.

These aren't just statistics. They represent lives lost, families devastated, and departments left mourning colleagues and communities mourning heroes who should have made it home.

For Officer Don Campbell, this reality hit too close to home.**

A Personal Mission to Change the Standard of Visibility

Campbell, a veteran law enforcement officer, remembers the moment he realized something had to change. A fellow officer was struck and killed while on-site—even though he was wearing a standard reflective safety vest.

The driver never saw him.

That tragedy left Campbell with a simple but urgent question:

"If the existing safety gear isn’t enough, why aren’t we making it better?"

So, he took action.

Campbell designed the Lit Safety Vest, a high-visibility vest that doesn’t just rely on reflected light—it actively emits light with built-in LED illumination. His goal was clear: Make sure no first responder has to rely on chance to be seen.

Why This Matters More Than Ever

Public safety professionals don’t have the luxury of choosing when and where they respond. Darkness, fog, heavy rain, or blinding snow—it doesn’t matter. The job has to get done.

In today’s world, where distractions are everywhere—texting drivers, faster vehicles, and busier roadways— the current available vest options aren’t enough anymore.

The conversation about officer safety needs to evolve. If there’s technology that can prevent accidents before they happen, why wouldn’t we use it?

A Game-Changer for Visibility

When Flying Cross learned about Campbell’s innovation, we knew this wasn’t just another product—it was a life-saving solution.

What sets the Lit Safety Vest apart?

• 5X Brighter than Competing LED-lit Vests – Because safety shouldn’t rely on whether a driver’s headlights hit you at the right angle.
• Adjustable Brightness Settings – Because a highway response at midnight isn’t the same as a traffic stop downtown.
• Long-Lasting Rechargeable Battery – Because safety needs to last the whole shift, not just part of it.
• Designed for Duty – With body cam compatibility, dual mic tabs, and breathable high-visibility mesh, this vest was built with real-world use in mind.

This vest isn’t just about visibility—it’s about ensuring every officer, firefighter, EMS professional, and first responder makes it home at the end of their shift.

The Real Question: How Long Will We Wait?

We have the technology. We have the statistics. We have the stories of officers who did everything right but still weren’t seen.

For agencies, safety leaders, and departments across the country, it’s time to rethink visibility standards. It’s time to move past outdated solutions and embrace innovations that put safety first.

If one more officer, firefighter, or paramedic makes it home safely because of a better visibility solution, isn’t it worth it?

At Flying Cross, we believe it is. That’s why we’re working to bring the Lit Safety Vest to public safety professionals across the country. Through our partnership, we will be able to scale production, expand distribution, and spread awareness about the critical importance of enhanced visibility for public safety professionals. And, as part of our commitment, a portion of proceeds from every vest sold will go toward supporting the families of fallen officers.

Because at the end of the day, no one should have to risk their life just to do their job.

*National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, 2024 Mid-Year Preliminary Law Enforcement Officers Fatality Report

**Officer Don Campbell is an 18-year veteran of the Wyoming, Ohio Police Department. As an experienced night shift officer with hundreds of hours spent navigating traffic, hazards, and visibility challenges at accident scenes, he understands first-hand the obstacles first responders face when navigating the job’s expected and unexpected elements.