Union County K9 Unit Receives Donation To Help Protect Kona

UNION COUNTY, NJ — A $3,800 donation will help outfit Union County Sheriff’s Office K9 Kona with a ballistic vest.

Union County Sheriff Peter Corvelli said Dr. Cesar DePaço made the donation to help protect the patrol-trained K9 during deployments throughout Union County.

The donation came after DePaço recently visited the Union County Sheriff’s Office canine facility, where he met K9 Kona and learned more about the K9 Unit’s work.

The unit serves all 21 municipalities in Union County and also provides mutual aid to law enforcement agencies throughout New Jersey.

"We are extremely grateful to Dr. DePaço for once again supporting K9 Kona and the important work of our K9 Unit," said Corvelli. "His generosity made it possible for us to bring Kona into our agency, and this latest donation will help ensure that Kona is properly protected while serving alongside our officers. This continued commitment to the safety of our K9 partners and the communities they serve is sincerely appreciated."

According to the sheriff’s office, DePaço previously donated $10,500 for the purchase of K9 Kona.

After months of training and certification, K9 Kona was officially placed into service as a member of the Union County Sheriff’s Office K9 Unit.

The ballistic vest is expected to provide K9 Kona with an added layer of protection while assisting sheriff’s officers during patrol duties and other law enforcement operations, according to the announcement.

The sheriff’s office said the vest will support the dog’s work as part of the unit’s deployments across the county.

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