Gwinnett Canine Officers Get Ballistic Vests

GRAYSON, GA -- Eros, one of Gwinnett County's canine officers, got a little bit safer on Thursday.

At a ceremony at Grayson City Hall, Eros became the latest county K9 unit to receive a potentially life-saving ballistic vest from nonprofit group Project Paws Alive.

The vests, designed to protect the dogs in the event of gunfire or an explosion, cost about $1,400 each and must be custom fit for each dog to ensure comfort and effectiveness.

The organization raises funds to provide police dogs with equipment that law-enforcement agencies may not be able to afford otherwise. The group also provides departments with canine field trauma kits, cooling vests, vehicle heat alarms, protective boots and specialized canine oxygen masks.

The group provided Gwinnett Police with their first two ballistic vests at the end of 2015. Three more were delivered on Thursday.

Cheryl Allen, of Project Paws Alive, presented the gear to Gwinnett K9 supervisor Brian Doan and Eros's handler, Brandon Townley, on Thursday.

The group also has provided Gwinnett with 11 trauma kits, which cost about $350 each.

"The Gwinnett County Police Department is especially grateful for this wonderful donation," spokeswoman Cpl. Michele Pihera said in a written release. "The donations collected by this organization have provided the K9 Unit with a wonderful tool aimed at keeping the K9s safe."