Archived News: This news release is more than one year old and may include outdated information.

The dogs who protect and patrol the Madison community are in need of your help.

Today, the Madison Police Department K-9 unit is launching a fundraiser for new bulletproof vests for its six patrol dogs.

“Every day I go to work, I put on my body armor and bullet-resistant vest,” said Officer Eric Disch, who has been a K-9 handler for the past seven years.

The unit is looking to purchase six “K-9 storm vests." They are extremely lightweight and designed to be worn during the dog’s entire patrol shift, which isn’t the case now.

The vests currently used do protect the dogs, but are bulkier and can weigh up to 8 pounds. Due to their heaviness, they are only put on during high-risk situations if there is enough time.

“The dogs will have something that is going to protect them at all times,” Disch said. “Having the Storm vests ready to go, it makes sense when we have to act immediately. Dangerous situations can’t always be planned.”

The vests would be used by K-9s Domo, Bowie, Roko, Allied, Charlie and Patton.

Each one costs $2,600. The department is working with the non-profit Keeping K-9s in Kevlar to cover the costs.

“We owe it to them," Disch said. "We owe it to our donors and the general public that, when we are sending these dogs into dangerous situations, they have just as much protection as a human officers."

The quickest way to donate to this fundraiser is through the Keeping K-9s in Kevlar Paypal account or its Facebook page.

Checks can also be sent to:
Keeping K-9s in Kevlar
3901 Airport Way
Bellingham, WA 98226

The Madison Police Department K-9 unit is fully funded by Capitol K-9s.

Contacts


Agency: 
Police
Category: 
Health & Safety