Vini Giovanini of Davenport, who is 13 years old and is a 7th grader at Ridgeview Global Studies Academy, has been involved with the Scouts since 2021. He began with the Webolos, then became a Cub Scout, and joined his current Troop 528 in 2023.

In his pursuit of becoming an Eagle Scout, he is raising money to purchase a state-of-the art piece of training equipment that will help Polk County deputies appropriately react and respond during shooting scenarios.

The device is placed on an arm or leg and while deputies are conducting shooting simulation scenarios, it is remotely activated, delivering electricity that disables the limb and simulates how it feels to be shot. The purpose is for a law enforcement officer to train to continue in pursuit of or engaging with a suspect, even while suffering from a gunshot wound.

You may remember another young Eagle Scout, David John, in 2023 who raised money during his "Beacon of Hope" fundraising campaign to purchase 50 Guardian Angel Micro Series Infrared Safety Lights (beacons) and beacon uniform mounts for the PCSO K9s. These beacons emit infrared light that can only be seen with night vision equipment and are used to track law enforcement officers involved in foot pursuits, monitoring police K9s operating off-lead, as well as assisting with the recovery of an injured deputy.

"We are blessed to have been chosen by another Polk County teen who supports law enforcement and wants to help train our deputies. With this equipment, we can better prepare deputies on how to 'stay in the fight' should they ever - God forbid - be shot in the line of duty. We are so proud of Vini and hope through this project he attains his goal of becoming an Eagle Scout!" - Grady Judd, Sheriff



Vini is available for media interviews about his project. Please contact his mother, Raquel, at 407-635-7125 or by email at rgvg2011@icloud.com. 

Vini is participating in several local fundraisers while he works on publishing his own GoFundMe page:

Little Caesars fundraising

Posner Park Panera Bread RAISE SOME DOUGH on May 31st.

Self-defense and anti-bullying classes @ Gracie Barra in Davenport