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TO: Mayor John Laesch
FROM: Lt. Tom McNamara, Aurora Police Department
DATE: September 8, 2026
SUBJECT:
A resolution authorizing the Director of Purchasing or her designee to issue all necessary orders to purchase ten (10) United Shield brand ballistic shields and accessories from MES Life Safety of Lombard, Illinois through the Sourcewell Cooperative Contract #090122-MES in an amount not to exceed $66,000.
PURPOSE:
To purchase 10 rifle rated ballistic shields for the Aurora Police Department. These ballistic shields are essential life safety tools for the protection of our first responding police officers. This purchase allows us to replace 10 standard shields with rifle rated shields to be carried in patrol squad cars.
BACKGROUND:
The 2026 budget includes a decision package for the Aurora Police Department to replace ballistic shields over a multi-year phase replacement program. The decision package began in the 2022 budget year and is set to expire this year.
The impetus for the 2022 decision package was to replace already outdated shields and those approaching the end of their useful, recommended life. When additional patrol cars were added to our fleet allowance, various equipment, including ballistic shields were required to outfit them. The 2022 decision package accounted for these additions.
Our goal is to ensure all patrol squad cars are equipped with a ballistic shield for immediate use by first responding police officers.
DISCUSSION:
The initial assessment in preparation for the decision package revealed ballistic shields in our patrol division were expired or approaching the end of their warrantied life. The multi-year decision package was requested to replace our ageing supply on a rotation and to equip additionally authorized squad cars in our fleet. This request is part of that multi-year replacement program cycle.
MES Life Safety (MES) has supplied these ballistic shields and other ballistic equipment for the Aurora Police Department. They participate in the Sourcewell Cooperative purchasing agreement, contract #090122-MES. MES is a trusted vendor who has provided reliable service to the Aurora Police Department in the past. They have demonstrated they meet the public safety needs of the police department and can provide the ballistic shields needed in this request.
Funding for this request was approved in the 2026 budget. This item is budgeted, with funds available, in account 255-3536-421.61-40 (SHAPE)
Local preference does not apply when utilizing a cooperative purchase program.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
This purchase is vital for the protection of our police first responders during times where the threat of deadly force against responding officers is present. These shields are rifle-rated and intended to outfit several patrol squad cars in each area of town.
In addition, accessories related to the purchase of these shields will be purchased, including POLICE stencils, and padded shield carry bags.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
To approve the purchase of 10 United Shield Brand Ballistic Shields and accessories from MES Life Safety of Lombard, Illinois through the Sourcewell Cooperative Contract #090122-MES.
cc: Public Health, Safety, and Transportation Committee
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
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A Resolution to approve the purchase of 10 United Shield brand ballistic shields and accessories from MES Life Safety of Lombard, Illinois in an amount not to exceed $66,000.00
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WHEREAS, the City of Aurora has a population of more than 25,000 persons and is, therefore, a home rule unit under subsection (a) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution of 1970; and
WHEREAS, subject to said Section, a home rule unit may exercise any power and perform any function pertaining to its government and affairs for the protection of the public health, safety, morals, and welfare; and
WHEREAS, The 2026 budget has approved a decision package to purchase ballistic shields for the Aurora Police Department; and
WHEREAS, the pricing for these ballistic shields was received through the Sourcewell Cooperative contract #090122-MES, and
WHEREAS, funds have been budgeted in 2026 and are available in account #255-3536-421.61-40; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: approve the purchase of 10 United Shield brand ballistic shields and accessories from MES Life Safety of Lombard, Illinois in an amount not to exceed $66,000.00 and allow the Director of Purchasing to issue the necessary orders.