Georgia K-9's win SWAT Kevlar vest contest

Congratulations to all the K-9’s who participated in the K-9 Kevlar Vest contest. According to Keeping K-9s in Kevlar, every K-9 will be vested!

Sponsors of the contest, Rudy and Paula Hoffman, are the reason why the contest happened. The Hoffman’s wanted to bring communities together to support K-9s and bring awareness to the needs of law enforcement agencies. “We could not sleep until all the K-9’s were vested and now we are funding all 12 K-9’s with the K-9 Storm Patrol SWAT Kevlar vests” said Hoffman.

Both K-9’s from Georgia will receive a vest! Congratulations to Eddie, representing the Conyers Police Department and Tomi, representing the DeKalb Sheriff’s Office!

K-9 Eddie is a 3-year-old Belgian Malinois who joined Conyers Police Department with handler Officer Myra Scruggs just over one year ago.  Eddie’s official job description is Narcotic Detection and Tracking.  Eddie’s tracking efforts are specifically used for lost children, Alzheimer’s patients and anyone “at risk”.  Due to Eddie’s personable disposition, this type of tracking was later added to his extensive training.

K-9 Tomi is a 23 month old German Shepherd from Deutschland, Germany. K-9 Tomi is out of the Southern Coast K-9 School out of New Smyrna Beach, Florida ran by Bill Heiser. K-9 Tomi is a dual purpose dog and trained in narcotics, apprehension, and tracking. 

Keeping K-9s in Kevlar would like for your help to ask your local law enforcement agencies about their K-9 funds and how you can help support them. Handlers replace leashes, boots and gloves multiple times a year, an expense that comes out of pocket for many. Some handlers are looking for K-9 retirement funds to pay for medical bills when their K-9s retire, perhaps veterinary pet insurance is on their wish list. Training gear for "bite suites" and other equipment is on a many lists.

Thank you for making this Valentines' Day EXTRA special for the K-9s!