The Columbus Blue Jackets are excited to partner with First Merchants Bank to recognize small businesses in our community. Each month throughout the season, one company will be featured as the Small Business of the Month presented by First Merchants Bank. October’s Small Business of the Month is Parr Public Safety Equipment.
Think of a police car; what comes to mind?
Of course, there’s the flashing sirens, which you hope to never see in your rearview mirror. There’s functional and protective gear like radios, bumpers, partitions and reinforcements. And there’s the distinctive color scheme and identification informing motorists that the vehicle represents its law enforcement agency.
But have you ever stopped to think where local law enforcement agencies get those lightbars, consoles and decals?
The answer in many cases is Parr Public Safety Equipment. Headquartered in nearby Galloway with offices also located in Bucyrus and Cincinnati, the local small business is responsible for outfitting police and emergency vehicles throughout not just Central Ohio but the Buckeye State.
“We see (law enforcement officers) every day, get to talk to them, and it’s very rewarding to help them out as much as we can,” Brandon Parr said. “Pretty much anything you see in a police car, we produce.”
It’s also a family affair, as Parr Public Safety is a third-generation small business. Brandon handles graphics and window tints for the vehicles, his brother Corey installs the lights, sirens and other protective gear, and their sister Amber is the chief executive officer.
The company was founded nearly 50 years ago by their grandfather as a business selling medical equipment, but their father turned things toward police gear and the younger siblings are keeping things going.
“I’ve heard it’s hard after the second generation, so we’re trying to get it going as good as we can,” Parr said. “With my dad’s help and everything, it’s going good.”
In addition to outfitting law enforcement vehicles, Parr Public Safety offers police uniforms and apparel, seat covers, K9 products, radar certification and repair, and more.
Representatives from Parr Public Safety attended the Nov. 1 game against St. Louis and had a chance to watch the game from club level, visit the press box during intermission to see the Blue Jackets radio network booth, and step on the ice postgame.
“It’s been awesome,” Parr said. “I’ve never had these seats before, so it’s very nice.”
