Fundraiser helps provide bulletproof vests for police dogs

Spike’s K9 Fund outfits police dogs across the country with bulletproof vests as well as care when needed.

So far, Spike’s has helped almost 600 K9s across the United States.

Locally, 25 dogs have been outfitted with bulletproof vests. Organizers say that type of protection is critical.

“The K9s go out and do crazy stuff on behalf of the humans in the community and to protect the officers, so we want to make sure they are protected,” said James Hatch with Spike’s K9 Fund.

“The K9s can actually do the job of numerous officers. Whether it’s for searching, whether it’s for tracking someone, there’s nothing that we as officers can do that can replicate the capabilities of the K9,” said Carl Rodrigues with the Morrisville Police Department.

Morrisville police dog Arko received a new ballistics vest from the nonprofit. Valued at $2,500, it can stop a variety of handgun rounds and bladed attacks.