by Andrea Minihan
2/13/2012

MASSACHUSETTS VEST-A-DOG ANNOUNCES FIRST GRANT AWARDS

TO MULTIPLE LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES

Massachusetts Vest-a-Dog expanded its mission last fall, to provide more than just bulletproof K9 (police dog) vests.  We’ll announce our very first grant awards, funding the purchase of K-9 training aids, K-9 Safety equipment, funding for a K-9 training seminar and for start-up of a K-9 program. 

WHAT:           First K-9 grant awards announced: K-9 training aids (bite suits, narcotics sample safe), K-9 Safety equipment (cruiser over-heat detector/remote door popper, cruiser kennel), a K-9 Training Seminar and funds to implement a K-9 program. 

WHO:             Massachusetts Vest-a-Dog:  Kathy Hinds (President), Board Members,   donors, and volunteers

Law Enforcement agency recipients: 

MA State Police – Lt. Richard Rollins (K-9 Unit SPV), Sgt. Jerry Molet (K-9 Handler)

MA Environmental Police – Major Wil Gray,  EPO (Officer) Art O’Connell (K-9 Handler)

Holliston Police Department:  Chief John J. Moore

Wareham Police Department:  Ofc. Joseph Cardoza , Ofc. Michael Phinney (K-9 Handlers)

Westford Police Departments:  Captain Victor Neal, Patrolman Corey Peladeau (K-9 Handler) 

WHEN:           Thurssday, February 16, 2012, 10:00 AM 

WHERE:         Holliston Police Station, 550 Washington ST, Holliston 

VISUALS:      police dogs, K-9 Handler/Police Officers in uniform (one in a bite suit), MA Vest-a-Dog volunteers, donors 

ONE-on-ONE INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES:   yes

Since 2000, generous donors and tireless volunteers have provided over 300 bulletproof police dog vests across Massachusetts.  Supporters have often asked, "what else can we do?"  K9 handlers across the state have noted the fragility of K9 budgets, and lack of funding for K9 equipment, specialized training, and the ultimate 'big ticket item' - the purchase of a dog.  Thus, we expanded our mission in September 2011 to help alleviate this gap.  For further information, visit www.mavestadog.org

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Massachusetts Vest-a-Dog, Inc. is a 501(c)3 registered non-profit. Tax ID#45-0592275

Registered as a Public Charity with the MA Attorney General’s Office, Certificate of Solicitation #048402