“I carry the shield to give me the opportunity to take the lead; I care about the people I work with and I carry the shield hoping to protect them from any danger that lies ahead.” BRYAN PLYTER, Police Officer with the Boulder Police Department. He was one of the first responders, leading others in from behind the shield within minutes and took fire from within the store upon arrival from the suspect. He also assisted others in evacuating from the back of the store later.