On December 9, 2007, violence shattered the quiet of a Sunday morning in Colorado Springs. A gunman entered New Life Church armed with multiple firearms, intent on inflicting mass casualties. Earlier that same day, he had already killed two at a youth mission center in Arvada. By the time he reached the church, thousands of worshippers were gathered inside.
As shots rang out, panic spread. But amid the chaos, one civilian changed the course of the tragedy. Jeanne Assam, a volunteer security guard and former police officer, engaged the attacker with her personally carried firearm. Her action forced the shooter to stop, saving countless lives. Officials later estimated that her intervention prevented what could have been one of the deadliest church shootings in American history.
The New Life Church shooting became more than just another headline in a tragic era of mass violence; it became a powerful reminder of the critical role civilian readiness can play when law enforcement cannot arrive in time. For many, it raised an urgent question: if responsible, licensed firearm owners can save lives, why are so few prepared to carry consistently?
A Problem with Holstering
This question struck deeply with Jay and Georgann French of New Cumberland, Pennsylvania. The Frenches, like many Americans, were unsettled by the rise of violent crime and mass shootings. But what troubled them even more was the reality that many concealed carry permit holders often left their firearms at home.
The reason, as they learned, came down to the holstering problem. For more than 170 years, concealed carriers had faced the same tradeoff: comfort, concealment, or speed—you could never have all three.
Traditional holsters were uncomfortable to wear all day, especially when sitting or bending. Deep concealment often slowed the draw, costing precious seconds in a crisis. And overt holsters printed visibly through clothing, telegraphing intent in situations where discretion was essential. In a world where every fraction of a second counts, these flaws weren’t just inconveniences—they could be deadly.
Inspiration Becomes Innovation
The 2007 shooting crystallized what the Frenches already believed: society needed a better way to prepare civilians for unpredictable violence. That year, they founded CCW Breakaways, determined to solve the holstering problem once and for all.
Instead of modifying holsters, Jay French looked at the problem differently. What if the clothing itself became the holster? That question gave rise to the company’s patented holster-pocket system, an innovation that allowed firearm carriers to remain discreet, comfortable, and tactically ready without compromise.
The design integrated firearm storage below the hip-line-of-flexure, eliminating the waistband “stab” that made traditional holsters unbearable for many. Concealment was maintained through disguised pockets, while the “breakaway” feature allowed the wearer to pre-stage a full grip before drawing. By cutting the draw cycle in half, CCW Breakaways shaved off critical fractions of a second that could mean the difference between life and death.
Preparedness as Protection
For the Frenches, CCW Breakaways was never just about apparel—it was about a mission. They viewed it as a way to empower responsible firearm owners to carry consistently and effectively, contributing to safer communities. Drawing from a Christian worldview, they saw concealed carry as both a personal responsibility and a moral duty to protect others.
The message resonated. Since launching in 2010, CCW Breakaways products have been adopted not only by civilians, but also by military units, law enforcement, and private security professionals. Each group shares the same reality: when violence erupts, preparedness and quick access can save lives.
From Church Pews to Everyday Life
The events at New Life Church remain a haunting reminder of the unpredictability of violence. But they also stand as proof that one prepared civilian can stop tragedy from becoming catastrophe. CCW Breakaways was born from that truth.
By addressing the flaws that kept so many from carrying their firearms daily, the company created more than just tactical clothing, it created a path for ordinary people to be ready when it matters most.
The 2007 New Life Church shooting revealed both the horrors of modern violence and the hope of civilian preparedness. Inspired by that day, CCW Breakaways turned tragedy into innovation, reshaping concealed carry for a new era.
When seconds count, courage must be matched with readiness. Thanks to CCW Breakaways, that readiness is now within reach for every responsible firearm owner who chooses not just to carry, but to carry well.
Lynn Martelli is an editor at Readability. She received her MFA in Creative Writing from Antioch University and has worked as an editor for over 10 years. Lynn has edited a wide variety of books, including fiction, non-fiction, memoirs, and more. In her free time, Lynn enjoys reading, writing, and spending time with her family and friends.
