RBC | Shield 616, a Colorado Springs–based nonprofit focused on supporting first responders, hosted a family night on Dec. 30, 2025, for the Rio Blanco County Sheriff’s Office and donated protective vests to deputies as a show of appreciation for their service.
The event brought together deputies and their families for an evening of food, games and time to relax together — something Sheriff Anthony Mazzola said does not happen often outside of annual department gatherings.
“What happened tonight was something really special,” Mazzola said. “It brought our families together in a way we usually only see once a year, and it really boosted morale. It showed our deputies that people are watching what we do and that they appreciate the work being done.”
Shield 616 founder Jake Skifstad said the organization was inspired to help after seeing the challenges Rio Blanco County deputies faced during last summer’s wildfires. Rather than focusing solely on fundraising, the group wanted to provide direct support by donating equipment and creating an opportunity for deputies to spend time with their families.
“Our mission is to protect and support first responders,” Skifstad said. “We don’t do family fun nights very often, but we felt this department could really use a night to relax, let their guard down for a couple hours and just enjoy being together.”
For families in attendance, the evening highlighted both the challenges and pride that come with supporting loved ones in law enforcement. Braylin Peña, a family member of a Rio Blanco County deputy, said being part of a law enforcement family is not always easy.
“It’s not always easy — sometimes it’s hard with the weird shift work, the worries and all the other things that law enforcement officers deal with,” Peña said. “But it’s all worth it knowing that my dad and other law enforcement officers are making a difference in this scary world, and that people like Shield 616 notice the work they’re doing.”
Peña said being included in the celebration made the night especially meaningful.
“Being included in the celebration honoring law enforcement families was a blast,” Peña said. “The game night Shield 616 put on for us was amazing, and it was so much fun to be able to all play as a family and with other law enforcement families. There were lots of laughs and smiles — and a little bit of trash talking.”
Another family member, Cherlynn Muxlow, said the recognition extended beyond the deputies themselves and acknowledged the sacrifices made by families, especially children.
“It honestly meant a lot,” Muxlow said. “Law enforcement families usually support from behind the scenes, so being included and recognized — especially with the kids — was really special. Law enforcement kids are often overlooked when it comes to the time they spend without their parents, so having them acknowledged meant a lot to all of us.”
Muxlow added that knowing the community and outside organizations support law enforcement families brings reassurance and pride.
“It’s extremely important,” she said. “Knowing the community and outside organizations support our loved ones brings a lot of comfort and pride. It reminds families that the sacrifices being made are seen and appreciated.”
In addition to hosting the event, Shield 616 donated new protective vests to the sheriff’s office. Mazzola said the vests are state-of-the-art and among the best available, giving deputies added confidence and safety while on duty.
“This is top-of-the-line equipment,” Mazzola said. “Having this gear means our deputies can go out and do their jobs knowing they’re wearing the best protection available.”
Skifstad said each vest costs approximately $2,400, with pricing determined by the level of protection and the type of carrier selected. Each vest is warrantied for five years, which he said is the industry standard for law enforcement body armor.
The vests were purchased through Shield 616’s “greatest needs fund,” which is made up of surplus donations and contributions designated to help agencies that lack the resources to purchase costly safety equipment.
Mazzola emphasized that support from outside organizations is especially meaningful for rural sheriff’s offices, which often receive attention only during major incidents.
“For a small office like ours, this kind of recognition and financial help is huge,” he said. “Those vests are expensive, and this donation saves Rio Blanco County taxpayers money. More than that, it gives our deputies a real sense of pride knowing people see what they do and care about it.”
He also expressed appreciation that members of Shield 616 traveled from Colorado Springs to support the department.
“For someone outside our community to come here and do this for us is humbling,” Mazzola said. “Seeing the pride in our deputies and their families tonight — that means a lot. It’s a great way to end the year.”
Skifstad said Shield 616 works with numerous agencies across Colorado and throughout the United States, and his hope is that deputies and families left the event feeling encouraged, supported and valued.
“We want them to know they’re protected, they’re appreciated and they’re making a difference,” he said. “And there’s still a lot of work to be done.”
Those interested in supporting Shield 616 or contributing to future donations for local law enforcement agencies can visit shield616.org to learn more.
As the evening came to a close, deputies and their families left with more than just new equipment. The event served as a reminder that the work done by local law enforcement — and the sacrifices made by their families — are seen, valued and supported, reinforcing the connection between those who serve and the communities they protect.
Note: The author participated in some of the evening’s activities and finished fourth overall, thanks to the Muxlow family for welcoming him onto their team.
Rio Blanco County Sheriff’s Office deputies and their families pose for a photo in Meeker with newly donated protective vests provided by Shield 616, a Colorado Springs–based nonprofit that supports first responders. The vests were presented during a family night honoring deputies and recognizing the support of their families. Jared Henderson Photo