With that thought in mind, the single most significant accomplishment in meeting that goal has been the invention of modern, concealable soft body armor. Since that invention in 1971, the number of law officers slain each year has literally been cut in half.
Needless tragedies are still all too frequent.
However, we are proud to report that 1,653 names have been kept off the wall because of the vision and dedication of the man we honor tonight. In 1971, a young Detroit entrepreneur, Richard C. Davis, invented the concept of modern, concealable soft body armor. His own gunshot wounds during a shootout with would-be armed robbers, combined with his unique recognition of the need for lightweight concealable protection against handguns, provided the impetus for this invention. His personal bravery in demonstrating that impacts of gunshot wounds an soft body armor do not incapacitate the wearer, brought credibility to the concept. In the face of unprecedented pressures, his courage, fortitude, and dedication to officer safety over commercial gains has earned our admiration and respect.