GRPD raises half the money to buy lifesaving K-9 gear

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — The Grand Rapids Police Department is missing a key piece of equipment for eight of its officers.

The job can take officers to some dangerous and potentially life-threatening situations, and K-9 officers are right there in the middle of it. A vest can protect and save their lives, but there’s a delay in getting them.

A GRPD K-9 named Dozer was seriously hurt last summer in a crash while responding to a breaking and entering call. The police cruiser he was in was hit by an SUV estimated to have been going at least 75 miles per hour.

Because of his injuries, Dozer wasn’t able to return to work.

On average, GRPD’s dogs help make 90 arrests per year. But GRPD’s eight dogs are missing something that could help keep them safer: bullet-resistant vests.

The department is working with K9s of Valor and its partner, 30×30 Fundraising to raise $24,500 . As of Thursday evening, they were about halfway to buy life-saving gear for these dogs who are putting their lives on the line for their community.

Once purchased, 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.

While a vest probably wouldn’t have helped Dozer, the K-9’s handler Teddy Vanvliet said every little bit helps.

“You just look at the dogs, and watch 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 are going to do that,” said Vanvliet.

He said the vests cost around $3,500 each. To donate, visit the nonprofit 30×30 website .

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