Manchester K9s Get A Vest, And A Helping Hand

The Manchester Township Police Department has received a couple of donations to its K9 division for equipment in the last week, the department announced.

K9 Storm has been awarded a ballistic vest by the nonprofit organization, Vested Interest in K9s. The vest donation was provided by an anonymous sponsor, the department said in a news release. Storm’s vest will be embroidered with the sentiment “In memory of Rocco Pittsburgh Bureau of Police.” The vests cost between $1,795 and $2,234, according to Vested Interest in K9s.

Additionally, the Leisure Village West Pet Club donated meeting where they received a $1,000 donation, which was presented by Pet Club event Chairperson, Roseanne Walters. The check was presented to the Manchester Township Police Foundation to be used for the Manchester Township Police K9 Unit.

Attending the event to accept the donation were: Lt. Vincent Manco, Lt. James Sharkey, K9 Officer Marc Micciulla, Mayor Kenneth Palmer and K9 Storm.

“The $1,000 donation is greatly appreciated and will be put to good use to purchase items such as training equipment, canine-related vehicle equipment, and to pay for additional training for the unit,” Micciulla said. “It is because of the support of the community, the police administration, and the mayor and council, that the re-establishment of the Manchester Police K-9 Unit was possible.”

Vested Interest in K9s is a 501c (3) charity located in East Taunton, Mass., whose mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States. The nonprofit was established in 2009. For more information or to make a donation visit www.vik9s.org or write to P.O. Box 9, East Taunton, MA 02718.