by
Your MET Staff | Thursday, August 7, 2014 |
This month, Beier Radio, a maritime technology firm,
officially donated seven bulletproof vests to the local law enforcement
agencies on U.S. 90 in Gray, Louisiana, the site of the company’s new
headquarters.
Increasing Philanthropy
President of the Houma chapter of the Fraternal Order of
Police, Keith Gallicio, conveyed that one of the promoters for the fraternity
had called Beier about making a donation, and as luck would have it, the
company was at the same time looking for a group to whom it could contribute. The group had obviously contacted the company
at the right time.
Said Karl Beier, owner at Beier Radio, “We don't want to
just give money where we don't see where it goes. We want to do something
specific.”
Initially, the donation only included two vests – one for
the Houma Police Department and one for the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office;
however, after picking up those vests back in June, Gallicio said that the
Sheriff’s Office realized that its safety equipment was in need of
updating. Insurance mandates require
that vests be replaced at certain intervals, and, according to Gallicio, “[a]fter
10 years these vests, even though the vests are still good, it's not protected.”
Gallicio subsequently called Beier and requested five more
vests, which arrived within weeks. According to Beier, the purchase of these vests – each with a value of
approximately $500 – is part of a larger philanthropic mission for the
company.Said Beier, “We can do more and
will do more. We've got money to help the community. We're looking for
meaningful projects to donate money for.”
Going forward, Beier says he will look into addressing
local fire departments’ needs.
About Beier
Beier Radio designs and manufactures control, guidance, and
mapping equipment, catering primarily to oilfield supply companies. Recently, Beier opened a training wing that
provides equipment use certifications for captains.
Beier’s recent move to the area was fueled by a need to be
closer to the company’s clients in Port Fourchon. Initially, the new headquarters will be
staffed by nearly 50 transplants from New Orleans; however, the staff size will
likely double as business increases. By
2017, Beier predicts that his 20-acre facility along U.S. 90 will be filled
with equipment and buildings.