GRPD raising money for K-9 vests

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — The Grand Rapids Police Department is raising money to help keep its K-9s safe.

The department is working with K9s of Valor and its partner, 30×30 fundraising, to raise money for protective vests for its eight K-9s. Its goal is $28,000, according to a social media post by 30×30 Fundraising.

The vests would go to eight K-9s — Ace, Bleu, Eli, Digo, Falco, Leo, Rip and Rocco. Four are narcotic detection dogs and four are explosive detection dogs.

GRPD officer Teddy VanVliet said the vests aren’t cheap — around $3,500 each. But they can make a huge difference in keeping the dogs safe.

“You just look at the dogs, and you can see why we love them. We love to be with them and we want to preserve that dog, have them work a full career. And if we can just put a vest on these dogs to try to keep that dog working as long as possible, then we’re going to do that,” VanVliet said.

To donate, visit the nonprofit 30×30 website .

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com.