Former US Marine and pizza delivery guy Richard Davis took the concept of necessity being the mother of invention to a whole new level when he developed a bulletproof vest using Kevlar. This innovative design revolutionized war fighting tactics and is still used by police and military today.
Davis, who owned a pizzeria in Detroit, found himself in a life-threatening situation when he was held up at gunpoint during a delivery. After a subsequent gunfight left his business burnt to the ground, Davis had an epiphany – he needed to protect himself and others in similar situations.
With the help of DuPont Co. Labs’ breakthrough in Kevlar technology, Davis created the “Second Chance” vest using this lightweight, super-strong synthetic fabric. Determined to get the attention of law enforcement, he shot himself in the chest while wearing the vest during a demonstration. Luckily, the vest proved to be effective, and Davis had successfully sold his life-saving invention.
The vest’s success led to its widespread adoption among police and military personnel, with variations of Davis’ original design still being used to this day. The story of Richard Davis serves as a testament to the power of innovation and determination in the face of danger, ultimately leading to the protection of those who serve and protect others.
