Officers with the HISD Police Department were visibly excited Wednesday when representatives from The 100 Club of Houston formally presented new active shooter kits for campus officers.  

The 100 Club, established in 1953, provides financial support to the dependents of law enforcement officers and firefighters who are killed or catastrophically injured in the line of duty in 32 counties surrounding Houston. The club also helps law enforcement agencies purchase life-protecting equipment, such as active shooter kits. 

“I’m overwhelmed by the generosity of the 100 Club,” HISD Police Chief Paul Cordova said. “We brought our need to them and they immediately addressed it with their financial benevolence.” 

Cordova said he realized campus officers needed this equipment in light of recent school shootings across the country and reached out to the club in October for assistance.  

In February, The 100 Club of Houston awarded the department a $77,490 grant for the purchase of over 100 police active shooter response kits, which contain a trauma kit and tactical body armor, including ballistic helmets.  

Milby High School Campus Officer Mark Verdusco said he has been looking forward to having the equipment.  

“We’ve been waiting a long time,” Verdusco said. “It makes our job safer and we’re able to respond to an emergency quickly.” 

HISD Police Sgt. Karl Brown said this gift provides another layer of protection for officers should they respond to an active shooter crisis. 

“Officers are willing to do the job, but it’s important they have the proper equipment for professional-level preparedness,” Brown said.