Police dogs receive bulletproof vests

AMHERST, Mass. (WWLP) - As of Saturday Western Massachusetts police dogs also wear bulletproof vests just like the cops in charge of the K-9 units.

University of Massachusetts Police Officer Liana Varosky proudly displayed her dog’s new vest.

Twelve-year-old Lily Aisensberg from Sudbury in Central Massachusetts had raised the money to buy the bulletproof and knife resistant vests for K9 Charon of Wilbraham. She is now leading efforts to raise funds for K9 Jax of Southwick.

Officer Varosky told 22News, that her dog, Diezel, needed this protection.

"There's a substantial investment made for these animals. With the training and the purchase of dogs, and when we respond to calls we ourselves are protected with bulletproof vests and we're finding that our K-9's are not,” said officer Liana Varosky.

Judee Harrington vested Diezel, while K9 Falco of Westfield was vested by Kim's grooming, and Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. raised funds for the vesting of K9 Bosco of UMass Amherst and K9 Ralph of Granby.

These highly trained animals were presented with their own bulletproof vest; just like their masters wear when they're in harm's way.

Sandy Marcal of Vested Interest in K-9's, Inc. told 22News that they still have 15 K9's on their waiting list to receive vests. To find out how you can help, visit their website at www.vik9s.org.