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Campaign raises funds to outfit NY K-9s with vests

Nearly every dog in Broome County will receive a ballistic vest thanks to a Groupon and Vested Interests in K-9s

By Perry Russom
WBNG

FENTON, N.Y. — In just a matter of seconds, a police dog goes from the back of the car to hunting down a potentially dangerous suspect.

What started as an online campaign of $10 donations on Groupon by Vested Interest in K-9s, Inc., has resulted in almost all police dogs in the county with bullet and stab-proof protection.

“Police officers are wearing our vests, the dogs should have vests as well,” said Brian Berdine, K-9 officer at the Johnson City Police Department. “Without them, you’re basically putting a dog in harm’s way doing the same job as a police officer.”

All vests given out this month will be in memory of K-9 Rocco from the Pittsburgh Police Department.

Full Story: Increase in protective vests for police dogs in Broome County