SureFire Torches and Flashlights

A South African police officer

I am a South African police officer. The area I patrol was considered to have the highest number of housebreakings per capita in the world around 1996. This area is still "hot" in 2002 and the importance of tactical house-entry equipment is still paramount. On the night in question, we received a call to a housebreaking in progress. I was driver and was armed with a Berretta M92F-type pistol, while my crew carried the automatic rifle. As we entered the premises I was carrying my 6P Original SureFire torch with my pistol. My partner had, what we jokingly call a "shoot-me torch", mounted on his rifle. Whilst clearing the building I heard a noise in a cluttered corner that my partner had already supposedly cleared. As I shone my SureFire in the direction of the sound, I saw a suspect, armed with a knife, crouched behind a stack of boxes. The "blind-spot" present in so many of the "shoot-me" type torches had evidently diminished the officer's ability to see into some of the more concealed corners. Due to the superior efficiency of my SureFire in illuminating all areas of the room, we were able to make a successful arrest and prevent a potential tragedy.

Matthew D., Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

He opted to take his chances in SA court

I am a law enforcement officer and a Tactical Policing Instructor with 17 years service. Recently -- when giving chase with my partner after a suspect on the rooftop of a five-story building -- my M2 Centurion with 120 lumens of blinding light prevented the drug dealer from attacking my partner and he (the drug dealer) opted to take his chances in court.

Dean N. s/cst, Durban Metropolitan Police, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Carjacker With A Gun

I am a police officer in Memphis, Tennessee. During the month of August 2001, I was assigned to Uniform Patrol in the southern part of town. My partner and I were routinely checking an area nightspot known for drugs. We had only been inside the club for about three minutes when a female came running through the door screaming, "They've got a gun! They've got a gun and they tried to carjack us!" My partner and I ran outside and approached the car. Because of my SureFire 9Z CombatLight (now the C3 Centurion), the inside of the carjacked vehicle was fully illuminated. Because of the bright white light, I was able to plainly see the driver as he handed the passenger a loaded .38 revolver. Due to the fact that my partner and I were right on top of the car, as well as the bright light provided by the 9Z (C3), we could see that the passenger sat on the gun and put his hands up. We were able to take both suspects into custody without injury to anyone. A larger flashlight would have been much more cumbersome and the situation might not have turned out so favorably. Both suspects were arrested and charged with armed robbery, carjacking and kidnapping.

Protecting a VIP

I’m a very proud owner of a SureFire 6Z. I use it in our everyday operations in protecting our VIP. Even if in daytime, I will not leave my 6Z behind because we might get in a room/building where the lights might go out (blackout). My VIP sometimes borrows my 6Z and he advises our fellow security team members to buy SureFire also. In VIP Protection, we use SureFire because, in our field, we can’t compromise! More power SureFire!

Rey M., Daly City, CA, United States

We had a drive by shooting

I am a Police Officer in a town of about 50,000. While working graveyard shift, several years ago I had an incredible experience with one of your products. Early in the shift we had a drive by shooting. While on scene we were given the driver and vehicle description. Later in the shift, I heard an officer on the radio say that he was behind a vehicle which matched the description of the drive by suspect. The officer conducted a vehicle stop and I arrived several seconds later. I approached the passenger side of the vehicle and the other officer approached the driver's side. While I was standing at the passenger side of the vehicle, I watched my partner take the driver's license and begin to back away. As he did this I watched the suspect reach into the right front pocket of his pants and begin to draw out a small .25 cal. handgun. I immediately drew my service weapon, and I already had my sure fire 8X in my left hand. I shined it at the suspect as I pointed my weapon at him. The suspect turned his head towards me and looked directly into the light. I could clearly see him close his eyes and recoil at the intensity of the light. It was at this point which he dropped the gun and threw his hands into the air. Your light prevented the use of deadly force, and I have purchased several other sure fire lights after this incident. I currently serve on a narcotics team and I use one of your millennium lights on my Colt M-4 during every search warrant entry. Thanks for making such a great product.

Robert B., Madera, CA

County Sheriff Lobbies for Surefire for SWAT Team

I have used your flashlight systems for over 8 years. I was instrumental in changing our SWAT team over to SureFire Tactical equipment on our handguns. We have utilized your lighting systems on long guns for years. They are all very reliable and put out great illumination.

I just recently upgraded to several new lighting systems and purchased new batteries and bulbs. I have just transferred to a new field operation unit and I will surely push for your new systems...I would love to demo some systems for the brass.

Sergeant Lou F., Sacramento County Sheriff, Sacramento, CA, USA

A vehicle burglary in progress.

I am a Police Officer who works the midnight shift in Riley County, Kansas. I purchased a SureFire 8X shortly after leaving the Academy. I was impressed because a classmate who owned a 6P let me use it during a night shoot, the product is one of the best tools a police officer can acquire. I decided on the 8X because it is rechargeable, bright and light weight, this all paid off when one night we were summoned to an apartment complex on a report of a vehicle burglary in progress. As we have dealt with these situations before we took up our positions in the area. Some how the suspects were alerted to our presence. A foot chase began with three males subjects through the complex. Two of the males fled northbound after a chase through the area of the complex, we must have covered about a 1/2 mile of distance before they made the mistake of crossing a large field to another complex. I was able to intercept then as they crossed the field and approach the out building. As I approached the suspects I illuminated them with my 8X from over 200 feet away. The suspects were disoriented by the brightness of my light making them unsure of how far away I was from them, they surrendered as I shouted commands at them and were detain by fellow officers. We still had another subject at large and I began to comb the area west of the complex. I heard noise in a wooded area and used my 8X to illuminate a heavily wooded area next to the complex, my light located the third suspect and the foot chase began again, there were many obstacles between me and the suspect (fence and a heavy wooded area) but I was able to keep the suspect in my sight as he fled out of the wooded area. I was able to close the distance between me and the suspect and as he turned toward me while I shouted commands I was able to turn my SureFire's attention to his eyes blinding his as I made the arrest. All the suspects were caught and later convicted of vehicle burglary (x3). Thanks to my 8X it made darkness yield to the light of Justice.

Kevin B., Manhattan, KS

Handiest Light I’ve Had

I use my SureFire 8X every night while on patrol. It is by far the handiest flashlight that I own. Its small size allows me to carry it at all times. My 8X is always ready and there when I need it. The 8X is also a great tactical flashlight. It gives me a bright light source that is easy to use in conjunction with my handgun.

Jeff U., Police Officer, Columbus, NE, USA

Non-Lethal Force Option

My first police job was working for the City of Mackinac Island, Michigan. Of all the things I learned, I think the most important was to carry a high quality flashlight. Our department issued these big clunky six D-cell Maglites®... talk about unwieldy. Since the island does not allow vehicles, our patrol is limited to foot and bicycle duty. After only one night of hauling an object more suitable as a baseball bat, I decided to upgrade to a SureFire 8NX rechargeable. One night while dealing with an abusive subject, my SureFire wound up being knocked to the ground by the drunken male. Amazed that the bulb did not break, I picked up the light and gave my subject’s retinas 110 lumens of blinding light, to reconsider his behavior. The subject immediately covered his eyes with his hands, and responded to verbal commands for arrest procedure. Thanks to the powerful SureFire, I did not have to resort to my baton or pepper spray. I carry the same 8NX on my duty belt every night to this day as well as a SureFire 6P as a back-up light. Thank you SureFire for building such a stellar product, and keep up the good work.

Invest in what we now call the SureFires

I am a "bouncer/doorman" at a very popular night club in Pasadena Ca. all of us have been using an inferior brand of "torch" (what we like to call them) to help us do our job safely and efficiently. Recently I decided to purchase your awesome SureFire G2 series light and upgraded to the P61 Lamp. Well one night at work was all it took to convince my boss to get rid of all the "torches" and invest in what we now call "the SureFires". We have found that with a more directed beam we are able to literally blind irate guests momentarily in order to take control of a situation. Last night this was more true than ever. A guest some how got in carrying a knife, an argument broke out with this and another guest, as I looked down I saw the knife being pulled out of this guys pocket and immediately jumped down and flashed this guy right in the eyes and he was waving arms, crying and yelling that he was blind. I was able to tackle him down to the floor and get the "blade" away from him, that’s not where it ends... the police were called and when filling out the incident report all the officers were amazed how the SureFire Light was able to literally save a persons life.

The officers then kept inquiring where they can pick one up, one cop offered me $100.00 for mine and I almost said sure... but this G2 is going up in the club as a memento for this crazy occasion... I just wanted to say thanks and to let you know that the stores in the Pasadena area that carry your lights will soon be running out of them, I am sure that after tomorrow the whole Pasadena police force will be looking for your lights!!! Thanks, you have made a product that got you guy’s customers for LIFE!!! Thanks from me, my club and the guy whose life your "SureFires" have saved!!!

J. G., San Gabriel, CA

Armed and Dangerous

I use my SureFire 8X on a daily basis as a police officer. It is a lifesaver having a powerful light small enough to carry with you at all times. On one occasion during day shift I was clearing a house for a suspect. When I ended up in the dark basement, I was glad to have my SureFire with me or I would have never seen the suspect hiding behind a hot water tank with a large hunting knife.

Jeff T., Police Officer, Willoughby, OH, United States

Vehicle-Foot-Pursuit at Night

I'm a police officer in a small town in Kentucky. One cold dark night last winter, I got into a vehicle pursuit that ended with a foot pursuit out in the rural county. As I jumped out of my patrol car, I grabbed the flashlight off the charger, mounted in the car. I then joined the foot pursuit with 4 other officers and a K-9. It did not take long to notice my flashlight was not working. I yelled to one of my fellow officers, who I knew carried a backup flashlight on his duty belt. He quickly handed me his SureFire, I was surprised to find it brighter than most of our full size lights out in the woods that night. With the help of that bright light, we quickly caught the fleeing suspect. The very next day, I purchased my own backup SureFire flashlight and I use it more than the full size rechargeable flashlight that’s mounted in my cruiser.

Steve R., Police Officer, Murray, KY, USA

A life-saving item

As a police officer, having a small but powerful flashlight always on my belt has been invaluable. There are always long nights when your full size flashlight goes dead. Usually while clearing a house of a burglary. Without a doubt, it’s been a life saving item. I also use the 3P, I believe, off-duty. The short stubby guy is always with me. Good thing to have when walking to your car in the parking lot. I must say the one problem I had with the flashlight was corrected immediately by customer service. Thanks and always looking for more products.

John C., IDPA Shooter, East Longmeadow, MA, USA

Resistant In Bosnia, Albania, France

I used a SureFire for the first time during my training in France as a HAHO and HALO team member. Then, later while I was assigned in Cambodia, Bosnia, Africa and Albania, I understood it was a very effective and resistant peace of equipment, even in the mud of south-east Asia . Now, I am leader of a police team and still ready to use it!

Gilles R., Hyeres, France

Blackout on Cell Block Nine

My first SureFire light was a SureFire 6R I bought about eight years ago. I was immediately impressed by the amount of bright white light it afforded as compared to a similarly sized 2AA mini Mag Lite.

Then came the power blackout in the correctional facility I work at. Naturally it came at the worst time, when 70 inmates from Cell Block Nine were in the main corridor en route to chow. I immediately pulled the 6R from my belt holster and lit up the corridor, which assisted me and my partner in maintaining control. It seemed like an eternity until assistance arrived, but the 6R kept on shining bright. I now own several SureFire lights including the 9N and 9Z(C3). Keep up the great work. No other lights compare to SureFire!

Charles H., Prison Guard, Walpole, MA, United States

Dive Rescue

I have an older SureFire 6P that has accompanied me just about everywhere. As Police Detective and member of a regional Dive Rescue and Underwater Crime Scene unit, a reliable light must always be at hand. While conducting an underwater search for weapons used in a crime, the bulb in my dive light failed. I resorted to my 6P, and even under twenty feet of water it worked flawlessly! Your flashlights are first-rate quality and the best choice for public safety professionals.

Phil B., Police Detective, Newbury, NH, USA

Connecticut State Trooper

I'm a Connecticut State Trooper and was working one evening in February of 1999 when a call for service came into the Resident Troopers Office in a small town. The call was from an employee of a local warehouse reporting that a truck driver hand just been involved in an argument with several employees on the dock and the truck driver had returned from his truck with a handgun which he was threatening to use. The Resident Trooper, a Constable and myself responded to the warehouse from the Resident Troopers office.

Arriving on the scene, we saw a white Kenworth Truck Tractor, no trailer, leaving the rear parking lot of the warehouse where the incident occurred. Arriving in three separate cruisers, we positioned them in an attempt to block the exit of the driveway to the main road, which meant our headlights were not facing the front of the truck. The resident Trooper and Constable exited their cruisers, one with a 12-gauge shotgun and the other with an AR-15. I got out of my cruiser and aimed my service pistol at the cab area. Since the cab was not illuminated yet, I used a friend's 12-Z Flashlight that was lent to me week earlier, and aimed it at the cab of the vehicle from a distance of approximately 75-100 feet away. The truck driver immediately stopped his truck and placed his hands in front of his face to shade the intense light the 12-Z was delivering. I began ordering the driver out of his vehicle, which he did stumbling out to the ground. I kept the light aimed at the drivers face the entire time he was exiting his vehicle.

The driver appeared confused and was definitely unable to see. I handcuffed the driver while the other Troopers secured the cab area and sleeper birth of the truck. Once the driver was secured, he denied ever having any weapons and said he picked up a metal wire and pointed it like a gun at the dock workers after the argument. An area search showed no weapons on the ground in the rear parking lot and no metal wire was discovered. The other Troopers found no weapons inside his vehicle. I took out the 12-Z light again and scoured the area looking for the gun the driver was reported to have. I continued the search after speaking with several witnesses who described a Smith & Wesson 38-caliber revolver right down to the make and model. No gun was found in the rear lot where the truck and driver were last seen. This brought my attention to back to the Kenworth truck. I began looking in every nook and cranny inside and out of the truck and began thinking the witnesses didn't know what they saw. I next opened the passengers side access panel to the sleeper birth and used the 12-Z flashlight to look around. This is when I saw the shine of a metal object interwoven in some wires along the outer wall. I must have looked in this same spot at least 4-5 times before with my other flashlight and saw nothing but wires. But this time, I used the 12-Z and saw the S&W gun with rubber grips tucked deep inside the truck wires. The same gun the witnesses described. I used my friends 12-Z flashlight for about another month and returned it to him knowing I need to get one for my own.

I explained to him the 12-Z was an EXCELLENT tool for tactical situations and crime scene searches, both Day/Night. However, the light was a little too bright to be used for normal motor vehicle stops and everyday use, but a great tool to have for those not so normal days.??

Thanks !!!!!!

Trooper J. S., Connecticut State Police