Updates

U.S. National SWAT Championships Welcomes Avon Protection Systems, Inc. as a Founding Sponsor for Inaugural Competition

LITTLETON, Colo., – The U.S. National SWAT Championships (USNSC) has announced Avon Protection Systems, Inc., part of Avon Rubber p.l.c. and a world leader in design, development and manufacture of specialist personal respiratory protection products, as a founding sponsor for its national training competition slated for June 26 to 30 at Highland Ranch Law Enforcement Training Center in Littleton, Colo. “Avon’s involvement in the U.S. National SWAT Championships adds a new depth to the competition and we’re extremely pleased to have a world leader in homeland security products supporting our efforts,” said Jack O’Connor, director, U.S. National SWAT Championships. “Avon’s sponsorship helps foster knowledge, growth and camaraderie among the competing teams by providing the opportunity for the participants to come together, train, learn and shareeas.”The inaugural competition will consist of eight live fire events that test SWAT (special weapons and tactics) and tactical teams’ weapons proficiency, fitness, organization and toughness. Managed by Advanced SWAT Training & Competition, LLC, the USNSC is an open competition for law enforcement SWAT and tactical teams. The event will also include weapons and tactical training from some of law enforcement’s top SWAT experts.In addition to serving as a founding sponsor (along with Caldwell,aho-based Mike Gibson Manufacturing), Avon is providing its M53 respirator to be worn for designated events. Providing integrated communications and higher protection factors, the M53 mask can be used as a regular air purifying respirator, connected to self-contained breathing apparatus or connected to a power air supplied system. The unit changes from a negative pressurized respirator to positive with the turn of a dial, includes a superior panoramic visor and can be integrated with a range of weapons and ancillary equipment due to its slim profile.“We are thrilled to be a part of the inaugural U.S. National SWAT Championships and to support some of the nation’s best SWAT and tactical teams,” said Bruce Schorer, director of sales and marketing, homeland security, Avon Protection Systems, Inc. “We pride ourselves in designing and manufacturing products and technologies with the end users’ comfort and usability in mind. The USNSC provides us with another opportunity to see how customers use our respirators in real-world situations, so we can continue to enhance our products to add function, comfort and protection.”Avon has also donated its state-of-the-art M53 respirators to be awarded to the winners of the “Avon Hostage Rescue Event” and the overall winners of the competition.  About the U.S. National SWAT ChampionshipsThe U.S. National SWAT Championships is a property of Advanced SWAT Training & Competition, LLC (AST&C), a Colorado company that specializes in law enforcement training. AST&C – whose objective is to provide cutting-edge, relevant and practical training to law enforcement agencies for the goal of making each student more skilled, efficient and capable – also organizes and conducts national level competitions that are focused on policing skills and weapons marksmanship. About Avon Rubber p.l.c.Avon Rubber p.l.c. supplies a range of advanced CBRN respiratory protection solutions through Avon Protection Systems to the world’s military and police forces, as well as first responders and emergency services. Avon is an acknowledged world leader in the field of CBRN respiratory protective equipment and has been supplying respirators to the UK Ministry of Defense and other NATO allies for over 80 years. Trusted by U.S. armed forces, Avon holds the Joint-Service General-Purpose mask contract with the Department of Defense. Avon Rubber p.l.c. also owns Avon-ISI, which designs, develops and manufactures a range of SCBA equipment for fire, rescue and law enforcement, as well as military applications, further enhancing the product offering to end users enabling integration of RPE systems to suit varying operational requirements. Avon has manufacturing facilities in the United Kingdom and the United States.For more information, contact:Dr. Jack O’ConnorU.S. National SWAT ChampionshipsPhone: (480) 854-9955Email:  joconnor@advancedswat.com Adriana FerrariBianchi PR for Avon ProtectionPhone: (248) 269-1122 Email: aferrari@bianchipr.comJim BianchiBianchi PR for Avon ProtectionPhone: (248) 269-1122Email: jbianchi@bianchipr.com