A Story of Courage and Resilience: How Our Products Play a Role in Protecting Heroes

At Gould & Goodrich, we take immense pride in designing and crafting products that meet the demanding needs of law enforcement professionals. These individuals face dangers most of us can scarcely imagine, and they rely on their training, instincts, and equipment to protect themselves and others in critical moments.

One such moment occurred on April 15, 2023, in Cyrus, Minnesota, during a domestic disturbance call. Officer Alexander Olson and Pope County Deputies Brody Merrill and Josh Owen responded to what became a harrowing and tragic encounter. The situation escalated when the suspect opened fire during the arrest.

Officer Olson’s training and readiness saved lives that night—and so did the gear he trusted. In his account, Officer Olson shared how his Gould & Goodrich Boot Lock Holster and Glock 26 backup weapon stopped a round fired by the suspect, preventing life-altering injury to his ankle. This protection allowed him to enter the scene, subdue the suspect, and provide critical assistance to his fellow officers.

While we cannot undo the loss of Deputy Josh Owen—who courageously gave his life on his 44th birthday—we are honored to have played a part in safeguarding Officer Olson and ensuring he could continue to serve his community in that defining moment.

To all the officers and first responders who rely on Gould & Goodrich, thank you for your courage. Stories like these remind us why we hold ourselves to the highest standards in every product we create.