K9 unit receives generous donation from non-profit

GRAYSON, Ga. - Five police K9s are now equipped with ballistic vests thanks to Project Paws Alive.  This non-profit organization collected donations and outfitted the K9s with the vests.  The K9 Unit acquired their first two ballistic vests at the end of 2015.  Three additional vests were delivered today.  Cheryl Allen with Project Paws Alive met K9 supervisor Sgt. Brian Doan, K9 Officer (handler) Brandon Townley, and Eros at Grayson City Hall to deliver the vests.   

The cost of each vest is about $1,400.  The vests are customized for each dog, and precise measurements had to be taken to ensure comfort and effectiveness.  Once the vests were made, they were embroidered with the K9’s name. 

In addition to the vests, Project Paws Alive equipped the K9 Unit with 11 trauma kits.  Each kit costs about $350. 

The website (www.projectpawsalive.org) states, “Our purpose is to raise funds to provide agencies in need with the equipment they need: K9 protective vests, K9 first aid field trauma kits, K9 cooling vests, K9 vehicle heat alarm pro systems, K9 working dog protective boots, and specialized Pet Oxygen Mask kits.”

The Gwinnett County Police Department is grateful for this wonderful donation.  The donations collected by the organization have provided the K9 Unit with a wonderful tool aimed at keeping the K9s safe.