Fundraiser for K-9 Havoc Swat Bulletproof Vest Tonight

The following is a release from Anthony David Salon:

Due to his specialized tactical work, k-9 Havoc requires a K9 Storm bullet/stab-proof K9 vest.

What:  Come meet K-9 Havoc and enjoy an evening of art and photography by Anthony Vitale and Nicole Vecchi, to benefit Massachusetts Vest-a-Dog, Inc. an independent, all-volunteer, non-profit organization, that Supports Massachusetts Police Dogs by helping provide essential equipment, especially bulletproof K9 vests. The exhibit will be up through the end of May.

When: April 25, 7-9 pm 

Where: Anthony David Salon, 120 Cambridge St, Burlington, MA. 781 272-0002.

Pertinent Information:

The goal of the evening is to raise enough money to purchase a specialized SWAT bulletproof vest for Burlington police dog, K-9 Havoc, from the sale of the art. K-9 Havoc and his handler, Officer Papsedero will also be on hand.

Anthony studied at Mass College of Art, The Art Institute, The Museum School, Montserrat College of Art and California Institute of the Arts. His work has been featured in many Boston art Galleries. For the first time it will be  on display in his salon. 

K-9 Havoc & Officer Papsedero are members of the NorthEastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council (NEMLEC) Regional Response Team (RRT). The NEMLEC RRT is comprised of officers from 53 municipal police and sheriff agencies in Middlesex and Essex Counties. Because  of their unique and specialized skills, Ofc. Papsedero and K-9 Havoc are also assigned to deploy with the NEMLEC SWAT team, a smaller, highly trained tactical unit within the RRT.

About K-9 Havoc:

Burlington Police Department's K-9 Havoc, a German Shepherd Dog born in Slovakia on April 9, 2009, is certified in Patrol Duty (Obedience, Article Search, Evidence Recovery, Area Search, Tracking/Trailing, Building Search, Criminal Apprehension/Recall) and Narcotics Detection.  Havoc is partnered with Officer Joe Papsedero.

K-9 Havoc presently has a standard patrol bullet/stab-proof K9 vest, but due to his specialized tactical work, requires a K9 Storm bullet/stab-proof K9 vest – the vest’s ballistic panels are articulated and there is a stretch panel along the length of the vest, so the vest flexes better when the K9s move in all directions; the ballistic panels can be removed on an especially hot day; the vest can act as a harness and has extra strong D-rings, eliminating the need for a separate piece of equipment (harness); the vest is load-bearing,eliminating the need for a hoist sling; and should the K-9 be trained to use a dog camera, the vest can accommodate a camera mount.  Finally, K9 Storm vests are fitted like a glove to the K9/especially form-fitting, and are very light.