Can you tell us a bit about your background in law enforcement—how many years you served and in what capacities?
I served for 26 years with a Canadian municipal police agency consisting of over 1,300 members and serving a city of approximately 800,000 people. Throughout my career, I worked in both uniformed and plainclothes roles, training and variety of special teams.
What kind of environments or conditions did you typically work in (urban, rural, tactical, extreme weather, etc.)?
I primarily worked in an urban environment, with weather conditions ranging from extreme cold at -30°C in the winter to highs of +30°C during the summer.
From your perspective, what were the key challenges when it came to choosing the right gear or apparel for the job?
The biggest challenges were managing extreme temperatures—mitigating both frostbite in the winter and and heat exhaustion/dehydration in the summer. At times, we even faced both within the same operation.
For example, it wasn’t uncommon to execute multiple search warrants or surrounds in a single day. During the winter, this meant long hours outside in severe cold while containing the exterior of a structure, followed by extended periods working inside. Because of the constantly changing and dynamic nature of these operations, there was no opportunity to adjust or change gear mid-shift. Armor and equipment had to be worn over outer layers to maintain accessibility while still maximizing insulation and warmth.
What made the apparel effective was that, despite being warm, it wasn’t bulky. It allowed for a full range of movement and flexibility—key factors when working in high-stress situations. Anyone who has operated in these conditions can truly appreciate the value of gear that delivers warmth, breathability, mobility, and durability.
Over the years, how important did quality gear become in terms of comfort, safety, and performance on duty?
Quality gear was absolutely critical. In extreme environments—particularly cold weather—comfort directly impacted focus and attention. Long periods of inactivity, such as holding a point or maintaining a perimeter for hours, would quickly become difficult if your body wasn’t protected. Once your extremities or core were affected, survival and warmth naturally became your body and mind’s top priority, reducing your ability to stay focused on the task.
Having the right equipment made all the difference. It allowed us to remain in harsh environments for longer periods while maintaining performance, and it provided the flexibility to quickly adapt to changing conditions.
When did you first start using UF PRO clothing and gear?
I first started using UF PRO clothing and gear approximately eight years ago.
What made UF PRO stand out to you compared to other brands available at the time?
UF PRO stood out because it was specifically designed for military and law enforcement use. The gear was built to integrate seamlessly with body armor and was developed to perform reliably in extreme weather and demanding conditions.
Can you share your experience with UF PRO pants—how did they perform in terms of durability, comfort, and functionality?
UF PRO pants were extremely comfortable and allowed for easy movement. They stayed in place without riding up or sagging, even when kneeling or bending. The numerous pockets provided versatile carry options for duty gear. I washed my issued pairs at least every other day, and even after nearly three years of use, they still looked and performed exceptionally well.
How about their jackets and shirts—did they meet the demands of your job in extreme or unpredictable conditions?
Yes, both the jackets and shirts performed exceptionally well. I wore the UF PRO shirts on their own during warmer months. Once temperatures dropped, I went without the uniform shirt, and would only use a T-shirt or at most a long-sleeved shirt.
The Delta Ace Plus quickly became our go-to jacket for cool to cold weather. With armor, it was comfortable on its own down to -20°C or -25°C, yet still practical in the late fall when temperatures hovered in the single digits.
The Delta OL, on the other hand, was too warm for daily wear when moving in and out of vehicles or buildings, but it was ideal for extended periods outdoors or when temperatures dipped below -30°C. Both jackets were designed with reduced bulk, which made accessing gear simple and allowed for full mobility without compromise.
What role did UF PRO headwear play in your operational comfort and effectiveness?
We primarily relied on balaclavas, paired with either a ball cap, toque, or helmet, depending on the situation. Unfortunately, we did not have access to any UF PRO headwear at the time.
In your opinion, how did UF PRO gear impact your performance or confidence on the job?
Confidence and performance go hand in hand. UF PRO gear had a significant impact on both, for several reasons, some of which were briefly mentioned above.
Were there specific features (materials, pocket designs, weather resistance, mobility, etc.) that made UF PRO your go-to brand?
The primary features that made UF PRO our go-to brand were its weather resistance, exceptional mobility, and overall durability.
Looking back, how would you compare UF PRO to other tactical apparel you’ve worn in your career?
Nothing else compares to UF PRO. There are very few issued items I would personally buy, but UF PRO is one of them. My own collection has grown over time, and no other brand performs as reliably in Manitoba’s varied climate.
Now that you’re retired, would you still recommend UF PRO gear to professionals in law enforcement, military, or even outdoor enthusiasts?
I highly recommend UF PRO gear to anyone working in or exposed to extreme conditions. It is also an excellent choice for anyone who values performance and durability, regardless of the environment.
If you had to describe UF PRO in one word or phrase to someone considering the brand, what would it be and why?
Proven. I have put UF PRO apparel through every condition imaginable, and it has consistently performed flawlessly.
What advice would you give to current officers—or anyone in need of reliable tactical clothing—about why investing in UF PRO is worth it?
No other company matches UF PRO in offering a complete line of hard-use, all-weather apparel that can also withstand Canadian winters. My advice: do your research, evaluate the quality and craftsmanship, and speak with people who have firsthand experience using their gear.
