NorCal Police K-9's Receive Bulletproof Vests Through Fundraising Efforts
SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) — 14 Northern California police dogs received custom bulletproof vests on San Francisco's Treasure Island Wednesday, thanks to fundraising efforts over the past year.
Dan Skilatchi with the Redwood City Police Department and his K-9 Cliff were among those fortunate to receive a vest.
"Anytime I've searched for high-risk suspects or anything like that, the dog goes [into] his vest. He loves it, he loves wearing it," Skilatchi said.
KCBS' Margie Shafer Reports:
The vests will protect the dogs from a bullet or knife attack. They connect to the K-9's with military-style clips used for parachuting.
Steve LeCouve of the Police and Working K-9 Foundation, said officers also received heat alarms to monitor the temperature inside of patrol cars.
LeCouve said because dogs don't have the ability to perspire, vehicles with K-9's typically have air conditioning running constantly.
$121,000 was raised for the heat alarms and bulletproof vests through the foundation and corporate sponsor Pet Food Express.
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