Tactical outfitter helps West York officers prepare for funeral

Feb 27, 2025

Tactical Wear originally outfitted Officer Andrew Duarte when he started at the West York Borough Police Department in the summer of 2022.

Now, it's fitting his fellow officers for his funeral.

As a former Lancaster City police officer, owner Don Erb says it's a difficult task.

"It's something you hope you never have to deal with, but it's unfortunately today's reality," Erb said. "We try to help out as much as we can. We try to help them and comfort them. It is a brotherhood. We treat them like family and help in that situation as much as we can. It's hard to deal with. It is a tough time for everyone."

Tactical Wear specializes in ballistic vests, which it also supplies to West York Borough police — body armor that should be able to stop a handgun round.

News 8 asked if an officer showed up to a call with a ballistic vest, are they well protected?

"They are," Erb said. “But it's not everything."