MANSFIELD — The Mansfield Police Department’s K9 Unit has received two bulletproof vests for two four-legged members of the K9 unit.
K9 Dani and officer Zachary Miller will receive a bullet- and stab-protective vest through Vested Interest in K9, Inc. K9 Dani’s will be purchased through donation funds collected by Gracie Dix and Makenna Coontz, both eighth grade students at St. Peter’s Catholic School.
“We really like K9s and we want them to be protected,” said Gracie. “We just don’t want anyone to hurt them or have them die.”
The funds were collected as part of a school and community project. Students could bring in a dollar and get out of the school’s dress code. The girls also asked their parents to take donation jars to their work.
“They are a big asset to the police department,” Makenna said.
Delivery of the vests is expected within eight to 10 weeks, according to the Mansfield Police Department (MPD).
Mansfield K9 Richy and officer Denny Kiner will be receiving the same vest. K9 Richy’s vest will be purchased via the Richland County Prosecutor’s Office, and will be inscribed with a corresponding message.
K9 Officer Corey Kauffman said the vests play a vital role for the MPD K9 unit.
“We go all over Richland County,” Kauffman said. “It’s important these dogs are protected. They live with us at home and I consider her a pet, but first and foremost she’s a working dog and she needs to be protected.
“Without these vests, without the St. Pete’s students and without the prosecutor’s office, it’s tough.”
The donation to provide one protect vest for a law enforcement K9 is $950, said MPD Chief Ken Coontz.
“Each vest has a value between $1,744 and $2,283 and a five-year warranty,” he added.
An average weight of the vests are four-to-five pounds.
Vested Interested in K9s is a 501c (3) charity located in East Taunton, Massachusetts. The company’s mission is to provide bullet and stab protect vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States.
