safety
How a Texas nonprofit is helping first responders prepare for the next disaster
By Erica Hernandez, Misael Gomez at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate)
· June 24, 2026
· 3 min read
When law enforcement officers respond to active shooter situations, major crashes, natural disasters or other emergencies, having the right medical equipment can mean the difference between life and death.This is the mission behind COPS Direct, a nonprofit organization that provides lifesaving me...
Key takeaway Founded in 2016 by Aaron Negherbon, COPS Direct works to ensure officers have access to critical medical equipment — especially when agencies may face budget limitations or outdated supplies.
Why this matters in The San Antonio
In Bexar County, where budget constraints can impact local law enforcement agencies, the work of COPS Direct takes on added significance. The nonprofit's efforts to provide critical medical equipment to agencies in need can be a lifeline, particularly for smaller departments that may struggle to afford essential supplies. The fact that COPS Direct prioritizes Texas agencies, with a particular emphasis on responding quickly to local requests, is a boon for San Antonio -area first responders. The organization's provision of equipment to the Bexar County SWAT team is a case in point, ensuring that these operators are better equipped to handle high-pressure situations. As the San Antonio area continues to grow and face new challenges, the importance of having well-equipped and prepared first responders cannot be overstated, making the mission of COPS Direct all the more vital to the community's safety and well-being.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . The San Antonio surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: June 24, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? When law enforcement officers respond to active shooter situations, major crashes, natural disasters or other emergencies, having the right medical equipment can mean the difference between life and death.This is the mission behind COPS Direct, a nonprofit organization that provides lifesaving me...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 24, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) and curated for The San Antonio readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Erica Hernandez, Misael Gomez at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate). To learn more about how The San Antonio selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The San Antonio, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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