May 13 – 19 is National Police Week

Recognizing All Who Serve

President John F. Kennedy proclaimed May 15th as National Peace Officers Memorial Day. That was in 1962.

50 years later we still celebrate the efforts of our nation’s policemen and women.

Across the country this week, departments and the municipalities that they serve are recognizing and remembering members of our country’s police forces. Their dedication and service to their local communities is a foundation for civility and lawfulness.

These men and women play an active and often times largely unseen role in maintaining the machine that we call day to day life. There is an assumption among most citizens that ‘all is well’ most of the time. But our ability to act and interact within society without threat of violence or fear is protected by the service of so few.

There are a host of events this week. To see a full list, visit the National Police Week website, policeweek.org.

On Sunday, May 13th in Washington D.C. the 24th Annual Candlelight Vigil recognized officers killed in the line of duty in 2011. Sadly there were 199 fallen officers. See photos from the event here. This event is the first of many in the nation’s capitol this week. Most local communities will have celebrations as well.

For more information about National Police Week – Per the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund website…

The companies who design and build police and other law enforcement vehicles continue to evolve their products – with sharp looking designs matched by high-tech performances.

Ford, Chevrolet and Dodge all make patrol cars with sleek designs, high powered engines and enough gadgets to help keep criminals off the streets.

The automotive companies have a difficult challenge when designing new police cars. How much do they carry forward from older designs? How many new features do they add? And how do they do all of this while maintaining a price point that is suitable for a wide range of police department and municipal budgets?

All of the cars offer reliability and performance in one combination or another. They know the end goal is to create a patrol car that serves many purposes – safety, comfort, stability, situational presence and explosive acceleration when needed.

They also have to consider the age old question – do agencies prefer fuel economy or performance? Again, the goal is to engineer designs than can reliably perform at top speeds when needed but are relatively economic with their fuel consumption.

The real test comes from those officers who spend their time in the patrol car. The men and women who slide into the seats, patrol for long shifts, have to reach into the back seat or have breakfast on the run. That’s when a police car shows it’s true colors!

2012 Chevrolet Caprice PPV Police Car:

2012 Chevrolet Caprice PPV - Image from Car and Driver

Read the 2102 Chevrolet Caprice PPV review from Car and Driver Magazine…

2012 Dodge Charger Pursuit Police Car:

2012 Dodge Charger Pursuit - Image from Chrysler.com

Read more about the Dodge Charger Pursuit patrol car…

2012 Ford Interceptor Police Car:

2012 Ford Interceptor - Image from Car and Driver

Read the Car and Driver review of the 2012 Ford Interceptor Police Car…

What do you enjoy about your patrol car?

May is National Military Appreciation Month, a month of appreciation and remembrance of those who currently serve in our nation’s armed services and for all of those who have served in the past.

May is National Military Appreciation Month

From those who’ve just joined the military at bases around the country to aging veterans of World War II, this month is meant to provide awareness of the sacrifices our men and women give (as well as their extended families).

National Military Appreciation Month (NMAM), as designated by Congress, provides a period encompassing both the history and recognition of our armed services with an in-depth look at the diversity of its individuals and achievements. It allows American to educate each generation on the historical impact of our military through the participation of the community with those who serve encouraging patriotism and love for America.

This month gives the nation a time and place on on which to focus and drwa attention to our many expressions of appreciation and recognition of our armed services via numerous venues and also to recall and learn about our vast American history.

National Military Appreciation Month  is comprised of a number of important remembrance days, including:

• Loyalty Day – May 1st
• Military Spouse Appreciation Day – May 11th
• VE Day – May 8th
• Armed Forces Day – May 19th
• Memorial Day – May 31th

Galls, as a premiere provider of gear and apparel for Federal and Military personnel, avidly recognizes the efforts of military servicemen and women across the country. We also realize a large number of public safety personnel, from police to EMS workers, are current and former military.

To read more about the history of National Military Appreciation Month or to find out about events and other information, visit NMAM.org.

The iconic Cargo Pant is one of the classic pant designs for cops and other law enforcement. Designed ‘to be used’, cargo pants are known for their adaptability, comfort and ruggedness.

And most importantly, they hold a lot of your stuff!

Cargo Pants for Cops

Cargo pants are aptly named because the idea is that they help you carry all of your cargo. This is accomplished by the number of pockets and the generous size of the pockets.

For law enforcement personnel, the ability to carry a lot of small items securely and comfortably is important.

Police, security officers and those performing undercover work generally need a way to haul around everything from pens to note pads and handguns to handcuffs. The cargo pant is also a perfect pant for fire fighters and emergency response personnel.

Most often, the pockets are numerous and roomy, closing with buttons or Velcro flaps which provides for quick access.

Pants will feature multiple front and back pockets as well as deep side pockets (this is usually the defining feature of the Cargo Pant). And while they can be found in a variety of colors and fabrics, cargo pants are most often found as light and dark browns, grays and blues.

They are also most often design as cotton blends, though recent developments by cargo pant makers like Elbeco, 5.11 Tactical and Flying Cross offer a variety of higher-tech fabrics built for comfort and durability. These days, cargo pants can go from field work to office work all in a day because the designs are so appealing and versatile.

Search ‘cargo’ at Galls.com for quality cargo pant options for police, law enforcement.

Where do cargo pants come from?

The cargo pant is a product of evolution. Originally based off of designs of World War II era paratrooper pants, todays’s pants are a mixture of military heritage designs as well as workman’s pants – painters, plumbers, electricians – a pant derived from the ultimate in usability and functionality.

Want to buy cargo pants? Take a look at these options:

Elbeco Classic Men’s Tex Trop Polyester Gabardine Cargo Pants

Flying Cross Men’s Deluxe Serge Weave Cargo Pants

5.11 Tactical Cargo Pant

As Mother’s Day quickly approaches, we ask…how will you be treating your mom, wife or grandmother this weekend?

Galls Celebrates The Women of Public Safety on Mother's Day

Will you go the standard route of Sunday dinner and a gift or will you do something extraordinary?

And, is there really anything better than just spending time with your mother and letting her know how much you care for her.

Most of us fully appreciate the efforts and sacrifices our mothers made for us as we were growing up. Though, like most adults, we don’t fully understand those efforts until we become a mother or a parent ourselves.

Many of our mothers – and wives – are also working moms, actively contributing outside the home as well as inside.

In public safety roles – law enforcement, fire fighting and emergency medical response – women have long been serving their communities and providing protection to citizens.

Take a look at some of these numbers:

• There were 111,000 female police officers per the 2009 census
• There were 197,000 women who were active military per the 2009 census
• The U.S. Fire Administration reported there are close to 11,000 female firefighters in the country

Fortunately, the number of women working in public safety roles continues to grow. Their progress through the ranks also continues to grow with numerous examples of women heading up departments as police and fire chiefs. These leadership roles help encourage more young women to consider rewarding careers in public safety.

Galls salutes all women working in public safety and we wish everyone a safe and enjoyable Mother’s Day!

(pictured above is Santa Monica,CA Police Chief Jacqueline Seabrooks)

“Protect yourself from prisoner attack.”

At Galls, we often worry about the safety of our customers. One way for security and law enforcement officers to stay a little safer is by using Seat Belt Extenders.

Buy Seat Belt Extenders for Your Patrol Vehicle

Designed with officer safety in mind, seat belt extenders bring the seatbelt receptacle into open view. This allows officers to reach into the vehicle and fasten the belt with only one arm.

By not having to fully lean into the patrol vehicle, this option prevents the need to reach over a prisoner’s lap and be exposed to potential attack.

Safety is a top priority.

As an officer, you’ve been trained to approach most situations so that you, the public and even the person being apprehended remain safe during an incident.

Most officers have been involved in some sort of scenario where things didn’t go as planned. Efficiency, strategy, proper tools and planning help to alleviate potential problems from occurring.

Now you have one more tool to help you be a little safer while on duty.

Galls.com carries the 12 Inch Universal Seat Belt Extender.

With these seat belt extenders made for police officers, buckling a prisoner in is a snap!

Take a look at these features of the seat belt extender:

• Sturdy plastic, steel and semi-flexible tubing construction
• 12″ extension of seat belt; allows arresting officer to belt the prisoner without leaning into the vehicle
• Rigid extender stands upright to keep seatbelt receptacle in place for easy access
• Works with and without transport seats
• Bolts into car, replacing existing OEM seatbelt female part
• Universal male clip fits Charger, Crown Vic., Tahoe/Suburban, Impala & Taurus
• Includes hardware (bolts & brackets) for easy installation
• Comes in set of 2

For more innovative solutions for cops and other law enforcement officers, visit Galls.com today.

At Galls, we’re celebrating May – May Is 5.11 Tactical Month !! 

What does that mean for me? 

All month long, Galls.com will be offering great deals and specials on 5.11 Tactical gear, equipment and apparel. You can save big on items you’ve been wanting. You’re also able to get some products for free.

How do I start saving on 5.11 Tactical?

Just go to Galls.com. Deals change regularly, so visit often to catch them all (we suggest daily).

You can also join the Galls Email Promotion. Special deals are emailed right to your inbox.

What are some current special offers on 5.11 Tactical?

Here are 2 deals – hurry though – deals are only good while supplies last – or, they may only be good for a limited time.

# 1

Get $5.11 UPS Ground Shipping for only $5.11 on any orders over $75. Use Promo Code 511SHIP during checkout to receive your offer.

# 2

When you purchase a pair of 5.11 Tactical sunglasses, you also get a FREE 5.11 Tactical Penlight. That’s a $24.99 value for free!

Galls carries more than 15 pairs of 5.11 Tactical Sunglasses so you have a lot of options to choose from that will be just right for you.

5.11 Tactical is one of the most trusted names when it comes to gear and apparel for public safety and military personnel. Whether you’re in security, law enforcement, fire protection or health services, 5.11 Tactical has gear for you.

Galls is a Full Line Dealer of 5.11 Tactical products.

What does that mean?

It means Galls carries most items that 5.11 Tactical makes, from pants to carry your gear while on duty – to backpacks you can use in the field – to boots that are designed for heavy action – and much, much more.

Visit Galls to see the full line of 5.11 Tactical gear. Start saving today!

Hurry – deals may change throughout the month!

Galls is now carrying Perfect Fit Shield Wallets

Buy Perfect Fit Shield Wallet

Public safety officers need quality products they can rely on. Now at Galls is a line of Perfect Fit Shield Wallets – quality badge wallets for law enforcement and more!

According to their website, Perfect Fit “makes the world’s finest badge wallets.”

That’s high praise of course, but it’s backed up by a top quality product line of badge wallets for police and other public safety agencies. Departments and individuals who choose these badge wallets will be happily surprised by the “ease of use” design and the quality of the construction.

Most Perfect Fit Badge Wallets carry these special features:

• Holds a variety of ID sizes and badge sizes – choose the wallet that’s right for you
• Multiple credit card slots
• Flipping ID windows – this conceals your badge until you’re ready to show it
• Flaps protect badge finish and ID
• Super double polished soft 18 gauge plastic over ID reduces scratching, cracking and discoloration

To see more Perfect Fit Shield Wallets at Galls.com, click here.

About Perfect Fit Shield Wallets

Perfect Fit Shield Wallets are made in the USA in Corinna, Maine. The staff there is dedicated to hand tooling each individual piece of leather from start to finish, ensuring a build that will last for years. Their mission is to create the industry’s best police and law enforcement shield wallets and accessories – it’s just that simple.  Perfect Fit‘s unrelenting commitment to quality and attention to detail makes them the best shield wallets money can buy.

Visit Perfect Shield Wallets online to learn more.

It’s a valid question – what make a boot a tactical boot?

What is a Tactical Boot?

Aren’t all boots just some sort of combination of leather, rubber and laces?

The answer to that is this…if you’re using any kind of boot for a specific purpose relating to work – especially if you’re military, law enforcement or some other form of public safety – then yes, it’s kinda considered a tactical boot.

But generally, a tactical boot is a boot that is designed to specifically handle the rigors of certain duties.

Designers of tactical boots understand how the boots are going to be used in the field, on duty and in certain situations. Once the intention of use is understood, the designers use specific components and techniques to build the boots.

Here are some key features of tactical boots:

• fast, lightweight and responsive – tactical boot needs to be an extension of your movements
• cutting-edge design features – but mixed with a foundation of a traditional construction process
• ankle support, sole support, toe protection – all make for happy feet
• quiet soles – you need to move quietly in any tactical situation
• oil, mud and water slip resistance – sure footing is key
• proven durability and ruggedness – you don’t want boots that will let you down
• functions under pressure – laces don’t break, zipper won’t catch, construction of boot won’t compromise your efforts
• a great value – yes, you have to keep budget in mind

If you work in security, law enforcement, the military or some other aspect of public safety, you probably rely on the quality construction of your duty boots to keep you going.

At Galls, we only sell tactical boots and duty boots that we know will meet the requirements above. And we carry them from top brands like 5.11 Tactical, Bates Boots, Oakley, Under Armour, Duty Pro and more.

A tactical boot is a boot that has your back, like a trusted partner you can rely on in any situation.

To see a wide selection of top performing tactical boots, visit Galls.com.

To get deals on tactical boots and other gear, join the Galls email promotions list here.

Batteries – they power so many of the items public safety professionals use everyday.

From flashlights to radios to cell phones, batteries provide the juice so we can do stuff – plain and simple.

How To Extend The Life of Your Cell Phone Battery

One thing we’ve all become accustomed to carrying – and something we all seem to rely on – is our cell phone.

So, how do you extend the life of your cell phone batteries?

The most obvious tip? Turn it off completely when you’re not using it for long periods of time (like sleeping, at a movie, outside cutting the grass, etc.).

Another obvious tip is to use the phone’s feature less, especially the features that access applications or outside networks (like email, WI-FI, etc.)

But, let’s get beyond the obvious. And yes, you want to use your phone’s fancy features, so using them less is not an exciting option.

Here are some battery saving tips broken out by individual cell phone makers – iPhone, Blackberry and Android.

Gotta Protect That iPhone Battery?

• Keep it out of the sun
• Update to the latest software
• Yes, use the phone regularly (this shouldn’t be a problem)

Click here to get more tips directly from Apple regarding the iPhone battery or these 14 insider tips on how to save the battery of your iPhone.

Prefer Tools Over Toys – Want to Save Your Blackberry Battery?

• Limit usage
• Reduce screen brightness and screen timeouts

Click here for more Blackberry Phone battery life-saving tips or here for even more Blackberry cell phone battery tips.

Like The Droid Phone?

• Check your usage screen – built specifically for optimizing your battery life
• Disable apps that sync constantly
• Use the task manager to see what is running – and what you can close down

Click here from more Android phone battery saving tips or here for 18 Android phone battery tips or here for 10 proven tips to save your Android battery.

Galls does not endorse any cell phone manufacturer over another – or any cell phone service over another. We do, however, endorse efficient usage of your cell phone battery’s life so you can use it when needed. Plus we endorse shopping for quality products at competitive pricing!

Most people reading the blog post are public safety professionals who rely on their phones for both on duty and off duty work – keep your phone working longer!

To shop for public safety gear and apparel, visit Galls.com today.