A Southern California police officer is getting help from the online crowdfunding community to raise money to provide his dog partner a bulletproof vest—an expense his department does not currently cover.
The officer and his K-9 partner are part of the Hemet Police Department in Riverside County.
A verified GoFundMe page started on behalf of Hemet PD officer Vera is aiming to raise around $4,000 to equip Barry, Vera’s 3-year-old Belgian Malinois partner, with the protective gear.
Vera was recently promoted to K9 Handler and wants to ensure his partner is protected in the field.
“Unfortunately, the department does not provide bulletproof vests for K9s, and the cost for Barry’s custom-fitted vest is $4,000,” organizer Brandon Martinez writes on the GoFundMe page.
Martinez says he will match every donation received in order to ensure Barry gets the protective cover he needs.
“Every dollar counts — your support could literally help save a life.”
Barry was trained at Adlerhorst International in Jurupa Valley, which has trained dogs for deployment in law enforcement fields for more than 40 years, its website states.
The Hemet Police Department dog completed 240 hours of training in a handler’s course that teaches the basics of apprehension, article searches and various law enforcement scenarios.
Barry is described by the Police Department as a “hugger,” who loves to chew on his toy ball.
Martinez describes the dog as brave, “loyal, and ready to protect our community — but right now, he needs our protection.”
As of Tuesday at 5 p.m., the campaign has raised around $600 in the effort.