Spirit of Blue and Outdoor Channel Partner to Improve Officer Safety.

CHICAGO, Feb. 13, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The Spirit of Blue Foundation announced that it has partnered with Outdoor Channel, America's Leader In Outdoor TV, on an initiative to raise awareness for the safety concerns of the law enforcement community.  This partnership coincides with Outdoor Channel's successful launch of its new original series, "Elite Tactical Unit: S.W.A.T." (ETU).  This one-hour, adrenaline-fueled reality program provides viewers with a glimpse into the mentally rigorous and physically dangerous conditions that professional S.W.A.T. teams are faced with, covering a variety of tactical disciplines from high-risk helicopter rescue missions to close quarters combat.

By airing public service announcements (PSA's), hosting web banners across their online properties and sharing updates about the Spirit of Blue's important work through social media, Outdoor Channel will be educating its viewers on the safety concerns of the law enforcement community and assisting the Spirit of Blue with fund raising efforts.  To watch the Spirit of Blue PSA, which features Emmy-nominated actor Vincent D'Onofrio ("Law & Order: Criminal Intent"), visit www.youtube.com/spiritofbluecharity.

"As tax revenues decrease nearly everywhere, and agency funding is becoming tighter, we believe that the public and industry together have a responsibility to step in and close the gap," commented Todd Parola, Spirit of Blue Co-Founder and Chairman.  "We can't allow funding levels to affect an officer's safety on the job and, with the assistance of Outdoor Channel, we are committed to making a tremendous positive impact."

"Through our show, 'Elite Tactical Unit: S.W.A.T' and the PSA's, we hope to bring to light the extreme danger that these brave men and women who are part of America's S.W.A.T. teams face on a daily basis," said Tom Hornish, President and CEO, Outdoor Channel.  "We are proud to partner with Spirit of Blue to honor the law enforcement officials that keep us safe every day."

The Spirit of Blue Foundation works nationally to support the Law Enforcement community through the award of Safety Equipment Grants, funded by both private and corporate donations.  The Foundation is excited to add Outdoor Channel to its growing list of partners, which already includes: Amped Software, Blue Force Gear, Bushmaster Firearms, Magpul Industries, Leupold Tactical Optics, Combat Medical Systems, L3-EOTech, A-TACS Camo, and SentrySafe.  Together, the Foundation and its partners hope to realize a dramatic impact in the safety of the nation's law enforcement officers.

2012 statistics released by the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, in conjunction with Concerns of Police Survivors, revealed the number of U.S. law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty totaled 129, a 22% percent decrease from 2011. Firearm-related deaths reached 49, a decrease of 32% for the same period. While progress is being made, the reality of these statistics and the increasing number of underfunded law enforcement agencies across the country fuel the Spirit of Blue safety grant initiative.

The Spirit of Blue Foundation actively encourages the public at large to honor and appreciate law enforcement officers who serve to protect our communities.  By supporting the Spirit of Blue Foundation, the public can make an impact in the lives of law enforcement officers every day. To learn more about the Spirit of Blue or make a donation, visit www.spiritofblue.com.

About The Spirit of Blue, Inc.
The Spirit of Blue, Inc., based out of Chicago, IL, is a 501(c)(3) public charity dedicated to the enhancement of officer safety and vitality throughout the law enforcement community by promoting public awareness for their protection and fulfilling safety equipment and training needs.  The Spirit of Blue Foundation develops and executes fundraising campaigns nationally with the support of partner non-profits, corporate sponsors and private equipment manufacturers.  Fundraising proceeds are distributed in the form of Safety Equipment Grants to law enforcement agencies from local to federal levels.  Donations can be made be made anytime at www.spiritofblue.com or by texting "BLUE" to 41444.

About Outdoor Channel
Taking viewers across America and around the world on unparalleled adventures since 1993, Outdoor Channel is America's Leader In Outdoor TV. Dedicated to the outdoor lifestyle and conservation, the independent cable network is a division of Outdoor Channel Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: OUTD) and provides a complete spectrum of riveting hunting, fishing, shooting and adventure entertainment. Outdoor Channel is received by 39.1 million U.S. households – the largest outdoor TV footprint in the country – and is available in more than 50 countries internationally. Outdoor Channel can be viewed in HD and is accessible by broadband and mobile platforms. For program times and other information, visit www.outdoorchannel.com. Follow us on Twitter and on Facebook, and download our iPhone and iPad app.

SOURCE Outdoor Channel