When Officer Don Campbell learned a fellow officer had been killed in a struck-by incident, he knew current safety vests weren’t enough. He designed a better solution — the Lit Safety Vest, a rechargeable, LED-lit vest built to keep first responders visible in low-light conditions.
Now, Campbell’s mission is gaining national traction. Flying Cross, a brand of the Fechheimer Brothers Company, has partnered with Campbell — an active-duty officer in Wyoming, Ohio — to expand the reach and impact of the Lit Safety Vest.
“I designed the vest after a fellow officer lost his life despite wearing a high-visibility vest,” said Campbell. “If he couldn’t be seen, something had to change. I made the Lit Safety Vest to improve safety for others working in low-visibility conditions and hopefully prevent more tragedies.”
Unlike traditional reflective vests that rely on external light, the Lit Safety Vest emits its own, outlining the wearer’s body, illuminating the face and enhancing visibility in the darkest conditions.
“This vest was born out of tragedy — but built for hope,” Campbell said. “The goal is simple: make sure every officer or first responder is clearly seen, no matter the environment.”
After prototyping and field-testing the vest during night shifts, Campbell sold it on a limited basis before partnering with Flying Cross to scale production and distribution.
“When you meet an officer who’s invented a better way to stay alive on the job — you listen,” said Anne Thurman, vice president of product development for Flying Cross. “At Flying Cross, we believe innovation should save lives. Don’s idea aligns perfectly with our mission to protect those who protect us.”
Designed for law enforcement, firefighters, EMS, airport security, bike patrol, crossing guards and other public safety professionals, the Lit Safety Vest uses built-in LED technology to dramatically improve visibility in low-light and nighttime conditions.
Key features of the Lit Safety Vest include:
- 594 lumens — five times brighter than standard vests
- Adjustable touch dimmer — adapts to lighting conditions
- USB rechargeable battery — 12-hour runtime at 50% brightness
- Body-worn camera compatible — low-cut zipper design
- Dual mic tabs — law enforcement ready
- Breathable ANSI Level 2 mesh — combines comfort and safety
- Includes storage bag — mounts to headrest for easy access
The vest officially debuted during SHOT Show in Las Vegas. A portion of proceeds from every sale will be donated to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund.
Learn more about the Lit Safety Vest at www.flyingcross.com/LitVest.
