On December 9, 2007, a gunman armed with an assault rifle and multiple magazines stormed New Life Church in Colorado Springs, Colorado. That morning, he had already opened fire at a Youth With a Mission (YWAM) center in nearby Arvada, killing two. His next stop was the megachurch where thousands had gathered for Sunday services.
Inside the church, panic broke out as he began firing into the crowd. But amid the chaos, one woman stepped forward. Jeanne Assam, a volunteer security guard and former Minneapolis police officer, drew her concealed firearm and engaged the shooter. Her swift action forced the gunman to take his own life before he could inflict further devastation. Church officials later stated that her intervention likely prevented dozens, if not hundreds, of additional deaths.
The New Life Church shooting remains a chilling reminder of how quickly violence can erupt, but also how civilian preparedness can turn the tide. It was not the police who stopped the shooter that day; it was an armed, trained civilian who had both the courage and the tools to act.
The Broader Lesson: When Seconds Matter
Violent crime and mass shootings have changed the way Americans think about safety in public spaces. According to FBI data, active shooter incidents have been steadily increasing in frequency over the past two decades. In most cases, these attacks unfold in under 10 minutes, often before law enforcement can respond.
That gap between the first shot and the arrival of police has sparked a movement toward greater civilian readiness. Survivors and researchers alike point to situations where armed civilians intervened, reducing casualties dramatically. In fact, data from the Crime Prevention Research Center suggests that armed citizens stop active shooters in over 30% of cases that occur in public places where carrying is legally permitted.
The New Life Church tragedy underscored this reality, shaping public discourse on the role of responsible, licensed firearm owners in protecting their communities.
From Tragedy to Innovation: The Birth of CCW Breakaways
The same year of the New Life Church shooting, Jay and Georgann French launched CCW Breakaways, a company born out of frustration with inadequate concealed carry options. Jay, an engineer by training and a firm believer in preparedness, had spent years modifying pants to integrate holstering solutions directly into clothing.
He saw the limitations of traditional holsters: they were bulky, uncomfortable when sitting or bending, and often left obvious “printing” outlines of the firearm through clothing. More critically, they slowed down draw time in high-stress moments when every second matters.
The solution was the holster-pocket system, a patented design integrated into pants and shorts that allows wearers to discreetly conceal a firearm while also accessing it with unprecedented speed.
By disguising holster openings as ordinary pockets and placing them below the hip-line-of-flexure, CCW Breakaways achieved what most holster systems could not: comfort, concealment, and lightning-fast access. This breakthrough earned six U.S. patents and set a new standard in concealed carry apparel.
How the Technology Works
CCW Breakaways’ innovation lies in its breakaway pocket design. Unlike traditional holsters, these openings allow the wearer to pre-stage a full grip on the firearm while it remains hidden. With a quick outward pull, the pocket tears open, enabling immediate access without the fumbling or hand entrapment common to waistband holsters.
Additional innovations include:
- SkinTight Holsters with built-in trigger guard protection and compression-fit retention.
- Anti-Print Shields that prevent the firearm’s outline from showing.
- Spare-Magazine Socks and multi-purpose belts for carrying extra ammunition.
- Adjustable holster-pockets that adapt to handguns of different sizes and body types.
The design reflects a singular mission: reduce draw time, maximize comfort, and improve civilian readiness in critical moments.
Civilian Intervention: Stories Beyond New Life
The New Life Church shooting is only one of many examples where civilian action has saved lives.
In 2019, a volunteer security member at West Freeway Church of Christ in White Settlement, Texas, stopped a gunman within six seconds of the first shot, preventing a mass casualty event.
In 2021, an armed civilian in an Indiana mall neutralized a shooter who had already killed three people, preventing what police called “a potential massacre.”
These cases illustrate the same principle that CCW Breakaways was designed around: when violence strikes, those already on the scene, ordinary citizens, may be the only line of defense.
Mission and Worldview
CCW Breakaways’ vision is rooted in a Christian worldview emphasizing personal responsibility and the moral duty to protect others. The company believes that responsible gun ownership is not just about self-defense, but also about shielding innocent lives from harm.
“Preparedness is not paranoia,” co-founder Jay French has said in interviews. “It is love in action—the willingness to be ready so that others might live.”
That ethos has resonated with a growing segment of Americans who value self-reliance, preparedness, and the constitutional right to bear arms.
Beyond Gear: A Social Contribution
CCW Breakaways’ impact extends beyond tactical clothing. By empowering citizens to carry responsibly, the company contributes to a culture of readiness that may deter crime and reduce casualties when violence does occur.
Critics of concealed carry often focus on risks, but advocates point to the undeniable record of civilians who have stopped active shooters in real-world scenarios. CCW Breakaways positions itself as part of that solution, not just selling apparel but providing peace of mind.
Conclusion: Courage Meets Preparation
The lesson of New Life Church remains haunting yet hopeful. A single civilian, prepared and willing to act, saved countless lives. In that same spirit, CCW Breakaways equips ordinary Americans with tools that maximize their ability to defend themselves and others.
When seconds count and law enforcement is minutes away, society depends on individuals who are both courageous and prepared. CCW Breakaways exists to ensure that when evil strikes, the good are not defenseless.
