Donation gives all Pflugerville K9s protective vests
PFLUGERVILLE, Texas - Pflugerville's four-legged officers will now be a little bit more protected. A non-profit has donated a grant to the department to fit all its K9s with bullet proof vests. In total, the Pflugerville police department has three K9s and with these added vests they'll be a little bit more protected when out on patrols
They're not just dogs, to these officers they're partners. “Our K9s are officers just like everybody else we love our partners and they are important to us,” said Pflugerville police sergeant Tyler Summers.
Less than a year ago the Pflugerville police department formed its K9 division. “We have K9 Tymo, K9 Isa and K9 Lubo. 2 of them are narcotic and apprehension and one of them is narcotic,” said Summers.
As the three are constantly out in potentially dangerous situations, Summers said getting protection for their furry officers was key. “Recently you see in the news some of the K9s have lost their lives because they were shot or stabbed,” said Summers.
The issue is bullet proof vests for K9s aren't cheap. “There about $1000 each so funding is a big issue for us right now so with this donation it helps us go a long way,” said Summers.
The nonprofit Vested Interest in K9s decided to lend the department a hand, or paw, in this case.
They gave Pflugerville PD a grant which will suit up all their K9 officers. “The donation was made possible by individuals in Hawaii, Vermont, and Massachusetts,” said Summers.
They weren't the only ones with a vested interest in the K9s.
Turns out the Pflugerville community was actually planning to help raise money, but thanks to the grant, they now won't have to. While the department was awarded the grant it's still going to take at least tow months for them to get the vests.
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