Harrison K9 to get Protective Vest

Harrison Police Department’s K9 Axel will receive a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a gift from an anonymous donor.

Axel, a purebred Shepherd from Germany, has been with the department for about a year.

“He’s the newest K9 to join the ranks,” said Police Chief Anthony Marraccini. “We’re fortunate to have an impressive K9 and a dedicated handler, Officer Patrick Barbero.”

Axel joins Beni, the Harrison K9 handled by Officer Erin Hinchy, in the department’s K9 division.

“It’s a huge responsibility to take on,” said Marraccini. “It goes home with you, it’s part of your family. it’s a very big undertaking. Not to mention you’re on call 24 hours a day, whether it’s for Harrison or another jurisdiction that requests help, we’re always on call.

“I have a real passion for service dog work because I was the first K9 handler Harrison had, dating back to 1985,” the chief said. “It’s a great program for the community. Our dogs not only apprehend criminals they go to our local schools and interact with our children, it’s nice to see not only policemen up close but also a police dog.”

The donation was made on behalf of Axel to Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. a 501c (3) charity based in East Taunton, Massachusetts 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.

There are an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s throughout the United States.

The non-profit was established in 2009 to assist law enforcement agencies with this potentially lifesaving body armor for their four-legged K9 officers. Since its inception, it has provided over 1,600 protective vests, in 49 states, through private and corporate donations, at a cost of more than $1.5 million.

The program is open to dogs actively employed in the U.S. with law enforcement or related agencies who are certified and at least 19 months of age. New K9 graduates, as well as K9s with expired vests, are eligible to participate.

The suggested donation to provide one protective vest for law enforcement K9 is $1,050. Each vest has a value between $1,795 – $2,234 and a five-year warranty, and an average weight of 4-5 lbs. All vests are custom made in the USA by Armor Express in Central Lake, MI.