By Jerome Burdi
Sun-Sentinel
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Looking for the latest gadgets, guns and self-defense tactics?
Public safety professionals at the Palm Beach County Convention Center Wednesday for the two-day South Florida Police, Fire and Security Expo found everything from a portable shooting range and colored handcuffs to a “first responder kit” that acts as body armor, an explosive shield and a stretcher.
“The whole theme is to show the newest and latest technology for those who protect and serve,” said Brian Gellin, a West Palm Beach police officer who started the expo last year, inviting dozens of vendors and officers from across the country.
His wife, Rachel Gellin, of Sam & Co. Jewelers, added a touch of style to the event: jewelry shaped like guns, ammunition and badges.
“Police and firefighters are very proud of what they do,” she said. So she brought the cuff links, necklaces and pins to help them show it.
Police departments from across Florida came to the expo.
“If you can’t find something here technology-wise or equipment-wise, I don’t think you’re looking very hard,” Lantana Police Chief Rick Lincoln said.
He was looking to shore up some technology for the town’s plans to place surveillance cameras in public areas.
Wide-eyed officers walked through the aisles, impressed with the equipment. Guns lined tables and car strobe lights flashed. Security Solutions International showed off something that looks like a pillow but acts like a sandbag when water is added, and can resist bullets and prevent flooding indoors.
West Palm Beach training unit Officer Gerald MacCauley marveled at a trailer that opened into a 40-person mobile command unit for disasters, serving as a meeting room complete with computer stations.
He also liked the smaller items - everything from helmets to boots, handcuffs to flashlights, stun guns to assault rifles.
“It’s one-stop shopping,” he said. “It’s like Home Depot for cops.”
Copyright 2009 Sun-Sentinel