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OCTOBER 2008

Bulletproof: Canton Firefighters Outfitted With Body Armor After Spike In Crime

Fighting fires is enough of a challenge. But doing this while dodging a bullet, that’s too much. That's why firefighters in Canton are getting some peace of mind in the form of protective vests by Point Blank Body Armor.

CLICK HERE FOR FULL STORY

JUNE 2008

Law Officers Shoot for Honors

Speed, athleticism, performance under pressure and - most importantly - accuracy, were on display in the seventh annual tactical, three-gun match sponsored by Point Blank Body Armor and the International Brotherhood of Police Officers Local No. 537.

CLICK HERE FOR FULL STORY

AUGUST 2005

DHB CONFIRMS COMMITMENT TO OFFICER SAFETY

— DHB Discontinues Use of Zylon® in Bullet Resistant Products

— Announces Voluntary Replacement Program for Non-Compliant Vests

— Preliminarily Estimates a $60 Million Charge to Third Quarter 2005 Earnings

Westbury, NY — August 30, 2005. DHB Industries Inc. (AMEX:DHB), operating principally in the growing field of body armor, announced today that although it remains confident in the safety and performance of its body armor products containing Zylon®, it has discontinued the use of Zylon® in its bullet resistant products on August 24, 2005. The Company has ceased production of all Zylon®-containing bullet resistant products due to the National Institute of Justice's (NIJ) decision to revoke the NIJ’s previously issued certifications of all vests containing Zylon® in the marketplace. The Company also announces that it will be implementing a Voluntary Replacement Program to assist its customers who presently have non NIJ-compliant Zylon® body armor.

It is important to note that this Voluntary Replacement Program is not a product recall. This action is the result of NIJ Body Armor Standard Advisory Notice #01-2005. This program will assist the law enforcement community in replacing its Zylon® body armor with NIJ-compliant body armor.

"We will diligently work with our customers to address these issues. Officer safety is and will remain our number one priority," stated General (Ret.) Larry Ellis, DHB’s President. He continued, "It is our intent to work with the law enforcement community to supply them with replacement vests as rapidly as possible. We encourage all those presently using bullet resistant body armor containing Zylon® to continue wearing their body armor as recommended by the Department of Justice, until their vest have been replaced or exchanged. We believe that, based upon testing and research, that our vests are safe for use by officers in the field."

The Company will record a charge to third quarter earnings to account for the anticipated cost of the Zylon® Replacement Program and discontinued sales of products that contain Zylon®. The amount of the third quarter charge has not yet been finalized, but is not expected to exceed $60 million.

JULY 2005

Sniper's Nest Video

Watch Video

Pfc. Tschiderer
NBC Today Show
interview on
Aug. 17, 2005

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Pfc. Tschiderer
CNN interview
on July 24, 2005

Watch Video

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WATCH INCREDIBLE VIDEO OF U.S. ARMY SOLDIER (PFC. TSCHIDERER) SURVIVING A HIT FROM A SNIPER'S BULLET

The following is a letter of appreciation from PFC Stephen "Doc" Tschiderer, U.S. Army

Dear Point Blank,

First let me say thank you for saving my life!! I am forever grateful!!!! My name is PFC Stephen Tschiderer, and I am currently deployed to Bagdhad, Iraq. Yesterday, July 2, 2005, I was on patrol and while proving security around my Humvee, I was shot by a sniper. This sniper was useing a Draganov sniper rifle with AP rounds. The round struck me at an angle and did not come through the SAPI plate. Enclosed are some pics of the plate and what the round did to me, which thanks to you guys is only a small mark. My family and everyone that knows me sends our thanks and keep up the GREAT work.

THANK YOU AGAIN!!!
PFC Stephen “Doc” Tschiderer
E Troop 101 CAV 256BCT
Bagdhad, Iraq

Download the 256th Brigade Combat Team Media Release concerning this incident in PDF

JUNE 2005



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POINT BLANK VEST SAVES NYC POLICE OFFICER

June 2, 2005 — A Brooklyn cop was shot three times - but spared from death by his bulletproof vest - when a teen gunman opened fire last night after being pulled over for buying drugs, officials said.

Officer Patrick Caprice was wounded in his stomach and left arm. But a .45-caliber bullet to his chest, which could have killed the father of four, was blocked by his Kevlar vest, police said.

"God seems to have been with Officer Caprice," said Mayor Bloomberg, who rushed to Brookdale University Hospital to be with the first NYPD officer shot in the line of duty this year.

Despite his wounds, Caprice managed to return fire 10 times, hitting the 18-year-old gunman in the shoulder, officials said.

After a wild getaway and manhunt, the suspect, David Redden, took his own life with a bullet to the head, cops said.

Caprice, 42, was in stable condition after surgery last night. Bloomberg called the decorated 14-year NYPD veteran "incredibly lucky" to be alive.

"This is a sad reminder of the dangers our Finest face every day while they keep New York safe," the mayor said.

Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly said the gunfire erupted at 7:40 p.m. after Caprice and his partner, both in uniform, spotted Redden buying a small amount of marijuana on Grafton St. and Pitkin Ave. in Brownsville.

When the cops tried to pull him over, Redden sped off, cops said. The officers chased Redden's gold Ford Escort for 9 blocks as the suspect ran several red lights before pulling over at Dumont Ave. near Chester St. As Caprice got out of the marked cruiser, Redden began firing at him from the driver's seat, cops said.

Redden briefly got out of his car and continued to fire at Caprice, Kelly said.

Construction worker Sadon Loc, 20, who lives in the nearby Marcus Garvey Houses, was on Chester St. when the gunfire erupted. "There were shots, first four, then maybe nine," Loc said. "The cop was lying in the street. He was lying on the ground with his gun still in his hand. He was swimming in his own blood."

Caprice was taken to Brookdale in a patrol car.

Redden, bleeding from a gunshot wound, got back into the Ford but went only a quarter-mile before crashing head-on into a Lincoln Town car at Livonia Ave. and Mother Gaston Blvd.

The gunman abandoned his car and ran into the Seth Low Houses. He was found dead from a single gunshot to the head in a friend's apartment, Kelly said.

The shootout was caught by a surveillance camera at the Garvey Houses. Cops recovered 14 shell casings.

Subway service was cut on the L line from Broadway Junction to Rockaway Parkway and on the No. 3 line from Utica to New Lots Aves. during the manhunt.

The shooting came nearly nine months after two other Brooklyn cops, Patrick Rafferty, 39, and Robert Parker, 43, were killed responding to a domestic call in Flatbush.

FEBRUARY 2005


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DONATIONS PAVE THE WAY FOR NEW (POINT BLANK) VESTS

February 3, 2005 — When somebody gives you $34,000, usually options pop up. For Douglas County Sheriff's Department in California, the money was used to buy 17 state-of-the art bullet-resistant tactical vests.

The money, which was donated by the department's advisory council and a local homeowners association, will replace the outdated vests used by the department's SWAT team.

The donation given by the residents of the homeowners association was a gesture of thanks to the department for capturing an auto theft suspect who was hiding out in their neighborhood.

Before the new body armor was purchased, Douglas County SWAT team members had to wear a separate load-bearing garment over their old vests to hold items such as magazine cartridges and flashlights, said Undersheriff Bob Rudnick. The new vests, Point Blank's SWAT CERT tactical system, include the equipment pouches as well as biceps and neck protection and a ceramic chest plate.

JANUARY 2005


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POINT BLANK BODY ARMOR DEDICATES FLAGPOLES & MONUMENT

Point Blank Body Armor, Inc. has erected three flagpoles at its Pompano Beach, Florida, corporate headquarters in honor of America's Fallen Heroes. The poles will display the American flag, the Police Memorial flag and a POW flag. A granite monument with a bronze plaque was erected dedicating the flagpoles with the following inscription:

THESE FLAGPOLES ERECTED AND DEDICATED
TO THE MEMORY OF AMERICA'S FALLEN HEROES
BY POINT BLANK BODY ARMOR, INC.

In honor of the brave men and women of our Armed Forces and Law Enforcement communities who admirably perform their duties in the defense and protection of our great nation. While American soldiers fight abroad for liberty and freedom, America's Law Enforcement officers provide that same level of commitment, service and sacrifice here at home, ensuring the safety and security of our communities.

"Not gold, but only man can make a people great and strong; Men who, for truth and honor's sake, stand fast and suffer long. Brave men who work while others sleep, who dare while others fly... They build a nation's pillars deep and lift them to the sky." -Ralph Waldo Emerson

DECEMBER 2004



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POINT BLANK VEST SAVES PHOENIX POLICE OFFICER'S LIFE

December 13, 2004 - A Phoenix police officer responding to a suspicious activities report was shot at point blank range by a man outside a credit union. When officers arrived at the credit union, they began questioning a man and a woman. Police ran the man's identification, and found that he had outstanding warrants. As they attempted to arrest him, he pulled a gun and shot Officer Michael Burzynski in the chest at close range. Another officer shot the suspect several times, killing him. Officer Burzynski, a 12-year veteran, was treated at a local hospital for blunt trauma to the chest and released.

NOVEMBER 2004



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POINT BLANK BODY ARMOR, INC. PROUDLY SUPPORTS THE NATIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT MUSEUM

The Los Angeles Police Department, The Los Angeles Police Protective League and "American Police Beat" recently recognized Point Blank Body Armor's generosity in support of The National Law Enforcement Museum. Chief Bratton thanked Point Blank for its support to help build the National Law Enforcement Museum, an $80 million facility which will open in June of 2009.

"The Law Enforcement Museum is destined to be one of the most popular museums in the country," Bratton said. "It will educate the American people about the crucial role law enforcement has played throughout our history, protecting our freedoms and preserving our democracy."

AUGUST 2004



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POINT BLANK PROFILED ON PBS'S NIGHTLY BUSINESS REPORT

August 18, 2004 — Security is a top priority these days for many American businesses. Things like bulletproof vests have been around for years, but that type of gear has really come of age in the post-9/11 era, with police and the military finding body armor indispensable for their jobs. Jeff Yastine profiles one maker of that equipment, reaping the rewards and looking for new markets.


DHB ARMOR GROUP RELEASES ITS SAFETY REPORT ON POINT BLANK BALLISTIC PRODUCTS

Following eight months of extensive ballistic testing, DHB Armor Group confirms the integrity of Point Blank's body armor. You may download the report in PDF here.

To view and print the report, you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader software, available as a free download here.

MARCH 2004

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POINT BLANK REP RANDY ARRINGTON HONORED BY F.O.P.

Randy Arrington received the "Most Outstanding F.O.P. Member of the Year" Award at ceremonies in Anniston, Alabama, Monday night, March 22, 2004, from the Alabama State Fraternal Order of Police.

There were over 6,000 members of the Alabama F.O.P. who were eligible for this award, and Randy received the overwhelming majority of votes. Randy was presented with this award for his contributions to Law Enforcement, The Fraternal Order of Police and service to his community. It is the highest award the Alabama State F.O.P. can give one of its members.

He was presented with a plaque and check from the Alabama Fraternal Order of Police, a Resolution from the Alabama House of Representatives, a plaque and gift from P.A.C.A. Body Armor for his outstanding achievements. In attendance were Alabama’s Attorney General, Troy King, Representative Randy Woods, National Sales Manager of P.A.C.A. Body Armor, Tom Carter, F.O.P. State President Bill Davis and Executive Board, over 300 F.O.P. delegates, family members and invited guests.

Randy began his law enforcement career in the Alabama Air National Guard where he served as Law Enforcement Specialist prior to joining the Union Springs Police Department. In 1980, he joined the Alabama State Capitol Police where he provided security for four Governors and their families. In 1998, he was appointed to the Alabama House of Representatives where he served as Assistant Sergeant at Arms.

After serving 28 years in law enforcement in the State of Alabama, Randy retired in 2003. His love of law enforcement and concern for the safety of his fellow officers led him to his new career of selling protective apparel and body armor for law enforcement professionals. He is now employed as Regional Manager for P.A.C.A. and Point Blank Body Armor. He is married to Patricia Tronu Arrington. Randy and Patricia have three daughters and one grandson.

OCTOBER 2003

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POINT BLANK HONORS OFFICER SHOT SIX TIMES

Officer Enrique Hernandez of the Las Vegas Police Department avoided fatal wounds due to the life-saving protection of his Point Blank concealable body armor. Shot six times by a suicidal man on December 12, 2002, Officer Hernandez was recently recognized by Point Blank representatives for the courage he displayed in the line of fire.

Click here for more information about Officer Hernandez's ordeal.

AUGUST 2003



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POINT BLANK FEATURED ON "FOX & FRIENDS"

August 21, 2003 - Our soldiers are safer these days thanks to body armor and bullet-resistant vests. Chad Jackson was fighting with the 3rd I-D when Iraqi forces shot him earlier this year. The Point Blank Body Armor Interceptor™ Vest saved his life. The survivor, as well as Steve Susens, a spokesperson for Point Blank Body Armor, joins the FOX and Friends national broadcast.

MAY 2003



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"A VERY LUCKY YOUNG MAN"

May 22, 2003 - Watch a WCBS-TV report showing how a Point Blank concealable vest saved New York City Police Officer Peter Garrito from a 9mm bullet to the chest.

APRIL 2003



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POINT BLANK WORKERS: "SILENT SOLDIERS" IN WAR WITH IRAQ

April 7, 2003 - Watch as South Florida ABC affiliate Channel 10 News' Roger Lohse visits Point Blank Body Armor's military production facility in Deerfield Beach, FL.

MARCH 2003



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POINT BLANK'S INTERECEPTOR™ VEST FEATURED ON NBC TODAY SHOW

March 7, 2003 - "Twenty-One soldiers have come home from Afghanistan that wouldn't have come home without (Interceptor™) body armor." - Lt. Col. Cynthia Bedell, United States Army

OCTOBER 2002

POINT BLANK DEBUTS EXCITING EXHIBIT AT IACP 2002 IN MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA

LAUNCH PHOTO GALLERY

FROM THE NEWS ARCHIVES: OCTOBER 2001



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POINT BLANK VEST SAVES NYPD SERGEANT IN LAST YEAR'S SHOOTING NEAR SHEA STADIUM

On October 9, 2001, NYPD Sgt. John Asam was shot while apprehending an auto theft suspect. His body armor stopped the .25 caliber round, saving his life."

JULY 2002



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POINT BLANK BODY ARMOR FEATURED ON HISTORY CHANNEL'S MAIL CALL SHOW

Watch as Point Blank and Lee Ermey answer the question, "Can a bullet penetrate a flak vest?




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POINT BLANK'S LIGHTWEIGHT MILITARY BODY ARMOR FEATURED ON CBS EVENING NEWS WITH DAN RATHER

Point Blank's Interceptor™ OTV was recently featured on the CBS Evening News with Dan Rather. Find out why our troops in Afghanistan "won't leave home without it" in this segment entitled "A Ton of Protection". READ TRANSCRIPT




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"WHEN U.S. SOLDIERS AND MARINES HIT THE FRONT LINES, THEY ARE PACKING MORE THAN AMMUNITION!"

See how Point Blank is meeting the demands of the military in "Hometown Protection", a segment recently featured on NBC. "Ever since the War on Terrorism, Point Blank has been meeting the demands of the U.S. Troops abroad, shipping more than 260,000 vests."


POINT BLANK'S LEGACY™ PREMIER SETS THE NEW STANDARD FOR CONCEALABLE BODY ARMOR

Point Blank Legacy™ Premier takes legendary armor to the limits. FULL STORY

JANUARY 2002

POINT BLANK AWARDED $11+ MILLION UTILITY COVERALLS CONTRACT BY U.S. MILITARY

Carle Place, NY, January 31, 2002 - DHB Industries Inc. [AMEX:DHB] today announced that, through the Point Blank Body Armor subsidiary of its Armor Group division, it received an $11+ million contract for utility coveralls from the U.S. Military. FULL STORY

SEPTEMBER 2000

POINT BLANK BODY ARMOR CERTIFIED ISO 9002 COMPLIANT BY UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT

September 12, 2000 - "Being ISO 9002 compliant proves you have the systems and controls in place, which when followed, assure a quality product," said Captain Robert Williams. FULL STORY

AUGUST 1999

NEWS 12's CHANDRA BELL INTERVIEWS POINT BLANK BODY ARMOR PRESIDENT (STEEL MAGNOLIA) SANDRA HATFIELD

From the 6:00 & 11:00 p.m. newscasts on August 30, 1999, Palm Beach, FL. PLAY REALVIDEO

JULY 1999

BETTER GEAR, SAFER MARINES

New technology and progressive armor head to the fleet. A lighter form of body armor is becoming standard issue to all Marines. FULL STORY


ENTER THE INTERCEPTOR™: LIGHT INFANTRY GETS EVEN LIGHTER WITH NEW ARMOR

The army is about to outfit its front-line soldiers with a new body armor manufactured by Point Blank Body Armor, Inc. that defeats .30-caliber rifle and machine-gun threats and weighs about 10 pounds less than the current armored protective system. FULL STORY


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