Deputy Hernandez made the decision on 9/9/2001 to replace his soft trauma plate with a metal armadillo plate. On 9/11/2001, he was on his way home from work and was involved in a traffic accident. He struck a manufactured home that was under tow, then hit a second vehicle, swerved off the road and struck a tree. He was trapped in his vehicle concealed by vegetation for nearly 3 hours later before being extricated and transported for medical care. The collision with the manufactured home, caused a 2′ X 6′ board to break off and smash through the driver’s side window striking him dead center in his chest. The trauma plate that he had decided to change out only two days earlier, deflected the board causing it to penetrate completely through his upper torso, exiting his body near the left shoulder blade. He had to be transported to the hospital with the 2×6 board protruding from his back and front. Had the trauma plate not deflected the board, it would have caused severe injuries.
We welcome, Deputy Frank Hernandez, SAVE #1483, to The Safariland Group SAVES CLUB®.
