The Carlisle Police Department is pleased to announce that K9 Pedro will be receiving a ballistic vest thanks to a nationwide GROUPON event that raised over $330,000.00. Officer Darhower, Pedro’s handler, began the search for a vest sponsorship after attending the funeral services for K9 Rocco of the Pittsburgh Police Department, who succumbed to stab wounds received in the line of duty. Vested Interest in K9s’ INC, a non-profit organization based in Massachusetts, reached out to Officer Darhower and offered to help.
As the chosen non-profit organization and charity partner selected by Groupon Grassroots through their 2014 “Occasions” campaign, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. was able to use generous donations from the sponsors nationwide to fund bullet and stab resistant vests for over 300 police K9s throughout the country. In 2013, they partnered with Groupon and raised over $155,000 in one week, which provided ballistic vests for 163 law enforcement dogs in 30 different states. Since 2009, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided 585 law enforcement dogs in 39 states with protective vests.
Officer Darhower states that the K9 Program at the Carlisle Police Department is funded by generous donations from area organizations, businesses, and citizens. Without those donations, the K9 program would not be possible. “I am very thankful that these donations have provided me with a 4-legged partner and the community with a valuable asset against criminals.”
Pedro is a 3 year old German Shepherd/Belgian Malinois. He is certified in narcotics detection, tracking, apprehension, and patrol-related functions. Darhower and K9 Pedro certify annually in those areas at Castles K9 in Boiling Springs, PA. When they aren’t on patrol, Darhower and Pedro enjoy doing community demos, playing tug, and hiking.
For more information on Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. or to learn about volunteer opportunities, please call 508-824-6978. Tax deductible donations and event listings are available via the website: www.vik9s.org