A present for the pups: Warner Robins P.D. receives crucial donation for K9 officers

WARNER ROBINS, Ga. — For a law enforcement officer, safety is top priority, including the safety of their four-legged companions. Now, thanks to the Georgia Police K9 Foundation, five of their canine companions have a crucial piece of equipment that could assist in their safety on the job.

The Warner Robins Police Department (WRPD) announced via Facebook on Friday that they had received five LOF Streetfighter soft body armor vests from the organization, thanking the organization for their generous donation.

“The vests are a welcome addition to our K9 Unit equipment to help keep our K9s safe,” the post read.

K9 officers Argo, Brita, Dixo, Kastor and Kojak now wear the vests while on patrol.

In total, the organization has donated 132 vests across the state. They said that in the summer heat, vests like the Streetfighter help keep a K9’s body temperature lower, helping prevent heat exhaustion.

In addition to being lightweight, the vests are also bullet resistant, shielding vital organs if a K9 faces a suspect with a weapon.

Earlier, Kyle Briley, the founder and president of the Georgia Police K9 foundation said, “Our organization is honored to protect K9 Kastor, K9 Kojak, K9 Dixo, K9 Brita, and K9 Argo, with the Warner Robins Police Department. It is through generous contributions and support that we are able to make a difference.”

According to Briley, the Warner Robins Police Department started the process on bringing the donations to fruition.

“Police and sheriff’s departments can apply through us for assistance, which WRPD did, and we instantly got the ball rolling and got them their vests,” Briley said.

The Georgia Police K9 Foundation is a non-profit that has assisted over 4,000 teams through various efforts. This includes the vests as well as crucial equipment like heat alarms and Narcan Kits, which help a K9 directly exposed to opioids.

Additionally, the organization also provides retirement benefits like food and medical care to K9s who retire.

To stay up to date on what the foundation is up to, they encourage the public to visit them on social media. They are on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok and Pinterest.

To make a tax-deductible donation, visit their website, gapolicek9foundation.org, or mail a check directly to their address: Georgia Police K9 Foundation, 28 East Main Street, Statesboro, GA 30458.

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