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All Of Philly PD's K-9 Officers Outfitted With Custom Ballistic Vests

By John McDevitt

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The entire police dog force in the Philadelphia Police Department's K-9 unit now has customized ballistic vests thanks to money raised by a non profit organization that supports the police department.

The Philadelphia Police Foundation or PPF was established in 1999 to be "a force behind the shield."

The organization raises money for equipment, programs and training (not covered in the city budget) for the Philadelphia Police Department.

The PPF's latest effort was outfitting 23 patrol and scent trained dogs with state of the art bulletproof and puncture proof body armor.

It was made possible because of a $22,000 donation.

k-9 vests 2
(credit: John McDevitt)

Maureen Rush, PPF Board President, says, "As you know the DNC will be here in July, the Democratic National Convention, our K-9 officers will now be fitted out their new vests which will make them safer and also a plug for another one of our four legged friends and that is the mounted patrol. And the mounted patrol, the foundation is actually in the midst of purchasing a double horse trailer so they too can be right front and center."

K-9 body armor vests need to be replaced about every five years. Rush says the Philadelphia Police Foundation is always in need of donations.

"Get the word out PhillyPoliceFoundation.org"

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