Bates teamed up with the Eastern Wayne County Special Response Team (SRT) based in the Detroit area to field test the new Rush Shield tactical boot. The team members have been wearing the new Rush Shield DRYGuard and Rush Shield Vent for 2-3 months now and the feedback has been very positive. The athletic performance and lightweight protection the Rush Shield offers is exactly what they have been looking for in a fast, tactical boot.

The Eastern Wayne County SRT serves and protects the Grosse Pointe and Harper Woods area northeast of Detroit. The tactical team is comprised of officers from different departments and agencies throughout the Wayne County area.

Meet a few members of the Eastern Wayne County SRT below and see the new Rush Shield police boots – only from Bates – in action. These photos are from a recent training and range day with the team. Also included are quotes from the rave reviews the team have about the new Rush Shield.

Sgt. Frank Zielinski – Team Leader
Former Sniper, Breacher, and Negotiator
20 years with Eastern Wayne County SRT

“Super comfortable and they are good three season boots. They have handled the Michigan winter like a champ!” – Sgt. Frank Zielinski

Officer Tim Harris and K9 Duke – Assistant Team Leader
K9 Handler and Sniper
8 years with Eastern Wayne County SRT

“They are lightweight and clean easily. Spent approximately 10 hours on my feet in them and my feet weren’t killing me. Highly recommend.” – Officer Tim Harris

Sgt. JP Cormier
Negotiator, Retired Sniper
20 years with Eastern Wayne County SRT

“Have had these boots a few months and they are awesome! Surprised at the durability of 1/4 boot and am getting a second set strictly for patrol ops.” – Sgt. JP Cormier

Sgt. Wes Kipke
Sniper
5 years with Eastern Wayne County SRT

“These boots are extremely comfortable right out of the box. No break in period needed. Ultra lightweight. I wear them both on and off duty.” – Sgt. Wes Kipke

Officer Brady Baetens
Operator
2 years with Eastern Wayne County SRT

“I’ve been wearing these boots for 3 months now, very light weight and durable. Great traction in the snow.” – Officer Brady Baetens

Officer Josh Ina
Breacher
5 years with Eastern Wayne County SRT

K9 Duke – 8 year old German Shepherd
Apprehension
6 years with Eastern Wayne County SRT

The new Rush Shield tactical boots are available in a waterproof version, the Rush Shield DRYGuard, featuring Bates’ proprietary DRYGuard waterproofing technology, which is made for all seasons and climates. For warmer weather and dry climates, a more breathable, non-waterproof mesh version, the Rush Shield Vent, is also available. These two Rush Shield styles are currently available on batesfootwear.com.

More photos of the team in action are below.