A local production company that usually specializes in video and event production is switching gears to create personal protective equipment (PPE) and donated its first face shields to Hilliard Division of Police.
Mills James used 3D printers to make the shields. The donation was facilitated by Mills James senior account manager Marsha Barrett and managing partner Scott Lanum, who are graduates of the Hilliard Citizens Police Academy.
“In Hilliard, ‘In This Together’ is more than a COVID catchphrase — it’s truly a way of life,” said Chief of Police Robert Fisher. “We’re so grateful for the generous donations of PPE our agency has received from multiple residents and businesses, including Mills James, to protect our officers. It’s also a reminder that our Citizens Police Academy alumni members remain part of the HPD family after their graduation.”
Other PPE items, including surgical masks, food supplies, hand sanitizer, and cleaning supplies, have been donated by local businesses Bobby Layman, Hippie Hut, Kroger, Raising Canes, Painter & Associates, and Bath & Body Works, as well as FOP Capital City Lodge #9.
Lanum said the idea began when one of Mills James’ executives, Joe James, noted during a staff meeting there was a shortage of PPE for first responders. Lanum learned from Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine’s daily press conference that there were 10 PPE items needed most.
“We felt that fabricating face shields was in our wheelhouse, and we started looking for designs on the internet,” Lanum said.
Meanwhile, a partner sent the production company a file created by Rogue Fitness that fit the company’s list of available materials. Mills James then reached out to Laird Plastics, which agreed to donate the polycarbonate material used for the clear shield.
Two Mills James staff members, Mindy Good of the Visual Effects Group and Lighting Director David Kerr, are 3D printing enthusiasts, Lanum said. They got to work printing the main component of the unit, while Mike Schertzer, the head of Mills James’ Scenic Department, was tasked with making the units after the first prototype was approved by HPD.
Hilliard’s Officer Tom Morris picked up the face shields this week.
