The Atlantic City Council, Wednesday evening, heard from Atlantic Police Chief Dave Erickson and Officer Christian Holzapfel, with regard to a request for Load-Bearing Vests (LBV’s), which would replace the current standard duty belts officers wear, that, when equipped with the many required items they are required to carry, are causing lower back pain among many officers. Chief Erickson said the issues with lower back pain can be expected by older officers, but now they’re seeing it in the younger officers, as well. That’s where the LBV’s come in.

Atlantic Police Officer Christian Holzapfel demonstrates a model of vest the department is requesting.

Officer Holzapfel said the standard duty belt weighs about 25-to 30-pounds with the added equipment. He cited studies that show carrying the weight of the equipment on the waist and hips can over a period of years can cause posture and lower back issues. The LBV’s, he said, would transfer the load to ease the back crunching pain. The company that produces the vests Erickson and Holzapfel are interested in obtaining for the police force, is supplying similar-style vests to the Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Department, which has recently made the largest order for those vests in the State of Iowa. As Holzapfel passed his duty belt and the LBV to Council members, he spoke of how the LBV serves to increase an officer’s mobility and spreads the gear over a larger surface area, and can assist in the rescue of an injured officer.

He said a “drag strap” on the vests allows an officer to be dragged out of a dangerous situation if they are injured or otherwise unable to walk or run. The vests do have their drawbacks, though, including not being able to wear a coat over the vest in the Winter, but they’re looking at different options to overcome that. The other issue, according to Holzapfel, is a perception by the public of police coming off as being a militarized force. But he cited a Shelby County Deputy, who told him the citizens he’s spoken with has heard nothing but good things about how nice they look. The key, he said, is to make sure the public understands why police want the vests to alleviate back pain and related health issues.

The Council passed a Resolution designating Load-bearing vests as a Wellness Benefit for Atlantic Police Department Officers, and authorized the purchase of 12 vests for a total package estimate of $5,130. The vests have a five-year warranty, would match the current color of A-PD uniforms, and would be paid for through the Employee Benefits Fund.

In other business, Atlantic Mayor Dave Jones announced the 4^th of July Fireworks would be out at the Atlantic Airport again this year, and not at the Schildberg Recreation Area, as hoped, due to issues with visibility and safety. And, the Council approved the re-appointments of various individuals to City Commissions, including:

• Christina Bateman to the Community Promotion Commission
• Jim Behrens and Roger Herring to the Planning & Zoning Commission
• Dave Knudsen to the Board of Adjustment
• and Mike Henningsen to the Airport Commission.