We all know that our police officers are subject to more dangers than we could ever have imagined just ten or twenty years ago. Between 2021 and 2023 alone, more officers lost their lives in the line of duty than in the previous 20 years combined.
In a generous act of community support and to help protect the lives of those who serve, an anonymous donor partnered with Body20 of Mendota Heights to donate 22 ceramic armor vests to the Mendota Heights Police Department.
Owners Katie Bellows and Larry Grundtner are committed to making a difference in the lives of local first responders, and believe that the generosity of this donor will be a significant step in that direction. These ceramic add-on vests provide extra protection by going over standard Kevlar, specifically defending against rifle shots, which standard bulletproof vests can’t stop.
The Inspiration
Katie added that the entire Body20 team felt strongly about supporting the police department in their own neighborhood. “We’re a new business here, and we want to be part of the Mendota Heights community in a real way,” she said. “Providing these vests to our local officers means so much.”
Captain Wayne Wegener of the Mendota Heights Police Department, who accepted the vests on behalf of his team, was enthusiastic about the additional protection the vests provide. “To receive a donation such as this is amazing. We are always looking for ways to keep our officers safe. This allows each officer to have a properly fitted carrier and armor available when they need it.”
A Partnership is Born
The partnership between Body20 and the Mendota Heights Police Department goes beyond the equipment donation. When Captain Wegener visited Body20 to try out their fitness services, he got a first-hand look at their unique approach to fitness training.
Wegener was able to see how Body20’s technology-driven, high-intensity workouts could benefit his officers, and he was impressed with the potential. “I didn’t know what to expect when I was offered to try it. I am used to walking into a gym and seeing treadmills, ellipticals, and weights.” He said, “I was impressed with how the technology was able to work all the major muscle groups in my body. It felt like I had completed a full-body workout after about 15 minutes. It’s definitely a game changer for those of us who want to be healthy but are pressed for time.”
Larry was excited to see Captain Wegener’s response to Body20’s workout. “He brought over one of the vests so we could see how the two pieces of armor work together. After that, we had a great demo session with him, and he really enjoyed it. It was rewarding to watch him appreciate both the added protection of the vests and the potential of our workouts,” Larry shared.
Body20 is also extending a special offer for its training services to those who serve the community in support of first responders. “We’re happy to extend a deal to all first responders,” Larry said. “Anyone interested can contact us for more information about the offer.”
Looking ahead, Body20 has plans to continue supporting the Mendota Heights Police Department through fitness and training. “Thanks to a very generous donor, we’re able to provide six months of training specifically for the Mendota Heights officers,” Katie mentioned. This initiative will enable local police officers to experience Body20’s unique, high-efficiency training.
More than a Business Endeavor
For Katie and Larry, opening Body20 in Mendota Heights this past May was about more than launching a business—it was about becoming an integral part of the community. The pair have already made it clear that their support for Mendota Heights is ongoing and meaningful. “We see ourselves as part of this community, and supporting our local officers is one of the best ways we can show that,” Katie noted.
We see ourselves as part of this community, and supporting our local officers is one of the best ways we can show that.