Fundraiser Helps Norwich K9 Ozzy Get A Protective Vest

NORWICH, CT—The community has banded together to make sure one of the officers that works everyday to keep them safe is safe himself.

A Facebook fundraiser for Norwich K9 'officer' Ozzy has not only raised the minimum needed to buy a vest, around $2,500, but is close to meeting its goal of $3,500 to "make sure that Ozzy gets the best and stays protected while serving our community. "

Organizer Melissa McKnight Tamborra posted a video and shared the details on social media.

"One of our Norwich Police Department K9's needs a protective vest. I spoke to Lt. Perry at NPD and he informed that the only K9 in our town without a vest is K9 Officer Ozzy (because he's a recent graduate). Lt. Perry told me the vests start at around $2500 and go up from there. They protect the dog from bullets and stabbings.I set our goal at $3500 so we can make sure that Ozzy gets the best and stays protected while serving our community. Please share this fundraiser and let's make sure we take care of those who keep us safe on a daily basis. Every penny raised will go to the NPD."

Norwich Lt. John Perry said, "I was contacted by Melissa Tambora who is an avid dog lover. She felt concern that some of our canines do not have vests. She and many other citizens share the same concerns and she decided to take it upon herself to make this fundraising happen. "

Perry said that, "As a former K9 handler I agree that our patrol canines are thrust into many dangerous situations. We as a community must do our best to protect these very important members of our department."

And as of Tuesday morning, 65 people have donated since the campaign began raising more than $2,650.

"We at NPD are so proud of our community and their thoughtfulness! Without our citizens support our jobs would be more difficult and possibly more dangerous. We appreciate all that everyone has done to make this happen for Officer Wright and K9 Ozzy," Perry said.