ATLANTA, Georgia — Global nonprofit Point 27, based in Atlanta, recently paid tribute to fallen U.S. Army veteran and Corrections Officer Andrew Lansing, who was fatally assaulted by an inmate at Ross Correctional Institution on Christmas morning, 2024.
To honor Lansing’s sacrifice, Point 27 sent gifts to those who served alongside him and his family. The nonprofit provided scripture-inscribed Thin Blue Line Shields of Strength dog-tag necklaces to his colleagues and Folded Flag Pendant Keepsake Necklaces for his family members.
Point 27 was founded by U.S. Army (Ret.) Col. David Dodd, who expressed his condolences and gratitude for Lansing’s service. “It is tragic that this officer and his family sacrificed so much,” Dodd said. “We salute their courageous and selfless commitments to service and sacrifice.”
Dodd also highlighted the increasing challenges faced by law enforcement. “In the last few years, the radical turn in some communities against law enforcement has magnified the need for encouraging law enforcement officers and their families, who are risking and facing so much,” he said. “In these days when so many are publicly attacking, criticizing and questioning law enforcement, we remain resolutely dedicated to sharing God’s Word with them and their families to encourage them and to show appreciation for their sacrifice and service. We want them to know we value them, God loves them, and they are never alone.”
Symbolic Gifts with a Message
The Thin Blue Line Shields of Strength necklaces feature an engraved silver American flag with a single blue stripe, symbolizing law enforcement. The reverse side is inscribed with the scripture Matthew 5:9: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” Law enforcement officers selected the design and scripture to reflect their mission.
The Folded Flag Pendant necklaces given to Lansing’s family bear the scripture John 15:13: “Greater love has no one than this; to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
Point 27’s Mission
Point 27 was initially founded to support military members, fallen service members, and their families. In 2016, the organization expanded its outreach to include law enforcement, gifting Thin Blue Line Shields of Strength necklaces to officers nationwide.
Dodd’s dedication to this mission stems from his own experiences in the military. He commanded a battalion of the first troops deployed to Afghanistan after 9/11 and equipped each soldier under his command with a Shield of Strength dog tag inscribed with Joshua 1:9: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Dodd served 27 years in the military, including four deployments, before founding Point 27 in 2014. He was inspired to share the scripture-inscribed dog tags that had brought encouragement to him and his troops with others in the military, veterans, and law enforcement.
For more information about Point 27 and its mission, visit point27.org.