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By Tanae Howard

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (July 17, 2014)-- At just 8-years-old, Jacen Troxell has the desire to protect and serve.

"I'm raising money for bullet proof plates that when working together with the bullet proof vest can stop rifle rounds because normal bullet proof vests alone can not stop rifles," said Jacen.

Jacen's father is an IMPD detective. Andrew Troxell says fallen IMPD Officer Perry Renn took him under his wing nine years ago when he joined the force. The news of his death hit the family hard.

"When Perry Renn was shot the other week he knew and could tell that something was wrong, that it was really affecting daddy. So we let him know Perry was one of their friends and worked on shift together," said mother, Tracy Troxell.

Jacen wanted to do something to help protect officers against assault rifles like the one that went through Officer Renn's bullet proof vest.

"The vest we have right now will stop hand gun rounds. They're not made to stop assault rifle rounds," said Detective Troxell.

The plates slip into the bullet proof vest and provide additional protection from high powered assault rifles.

Jacen started a GoFundMe account to buy bullet proof vest plates that can stop powerful rifles. Since Sunday, he's shattered his goal of $10,000. The family says they're shocked and grateful for the outpouring of support. And the efforts will only continue from here.

"As soon as we hit our goal we wanted to keep going. As long as theirs officers on the street that are unprotected from assault rifles we want to keep going until we can get everybody on the street protected," said Andrew Troxell.

This especially hits home for Andrew. He was shot during the shooting rampage that killed IMPD officer Jake Laird 10 years ago.

Jacen would like to first buy enough vest for the officers at North District who worked on Officer Renn's shift. If there's money left over he will buy as many vest plates as possible.

To donate to Jacen's gofundme account click here