Friday morning’s shooting is a reminder to all area officials the importance of wearing their bullet proof vests; those vests just might have saved one of the officer’s lives.

It’s bulky, heavy and isn't the most fashionable piece of attire, but to the men and women who protect our lives daily, it’s one of the most important pieces they carry on them.

Sgt. Todd David, with the Dothan Police Department said, “Nationwide, yes, it saved a number of officers’ lives. Of course if you don't have it, you're just taking an unnecessary risk."

Sgt. David says bullet proof vests have saved many lives when in the line of duty, just like in Friday’s early morning incident.

"Based on the information I received, it undoubtedly stopped one bullet from going into the officer’s torso,” David added. “So, it essentially saved his life."

And, police are not the only ones wearing the protective gear.

Cpt. Chris Etheridge, with the Dothan Fire Department said, "We do see nationwide, a number of firefighters and paramedics that are assaulted and even killed in the line of duty, as they are responding to help those assaults and fire arm assaults."

Etheridge says his crew has been wearing the gear since the mid 90's.

It’s a safety precaution all officials will take to ensure their safety, making it possible to keep us out of harms way.

The vests have a life span of approximately 10 years and cost around $800 dollars.