OMAHA, Neb., Aug. 11, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- The Tampa Police Department's K-9 unit will now be protected in the line of duty thanks to the support of PetArmor®, a brand of Perrigo Animal Health and Walmart. In partnership with Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. -- a nonprofit organization that provides bullet- and stab-protective vests to police departments nationwide -- the group donated 10 protective vests to help keep the Florida-based K-9 officers safe.
Thousands of law enforcement K-9s put their lives on the line to protect America on a daily basis. They are usually the first officer to enter a dangerous situation, and help track and neutralize violent criminals, sniff out illegal or explosive materials and search for survivors of natural disasters. In most cases, law enforcement agencies do not have the budget to purchase K-9 protective vests because they cost $950 each. As a result, police dogs are left unprotected while fighting crime.
The K-9 vest recipients are:
- Chesney, assigned to Officer Ryan Flannigan
- Camden, assigned to Officer Marvin Turner
- Mako, assigned to Officer Craig Cimaszewski
- Taz, assigned to Officer Britt Martinez
- Rock, assigned to Officer David Savage
- Titus, assigned to Officer James Houston
- Rouge, assigned to Officer David Hassett
- Deebo, assigned to Officer Michael Bridges
- Indo, assigned to Officer Timothy Bergman
- Ripley, assigned to Officer Desiree Croteau
The protective vests will be awarded to the K-9 officers during a ceremony on Aug. 13 at the Walmart Supercenter, located at 4302 West Gandy Blvd., at 10 a.m. EDT.
For more information about Perrigo Animal Health's partnership with Vested Interest in K9s, visit petarmor.com/vested-interest.
About Perrigo Animal Health
Perrigo Animal Health is a division of Perrigo Company plc (NYSE: PRGO; TASE), a leading global manufacturer of over-the-counter healthcare products. Comprised of Sergeant's, SENTRY® and PetArmor® brands, Perrigo Animal Health brings quality, affordable flea and tick treatments, health and well-being solutions, and consumables for dogs and cats to grocery, mass, dollar, drug, club and pet specialty retailers. For more information, visit perrigoanimalhealth.com.
About Vested Interest in K9s
Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) charity located in East Taunton, Mass., whose mission is to provide bullet- and stab-protective vests for law enforcement dogs throughout the U.S. The nonprofit was established in 2009 to assist law enforcement agencies with this potentially lifesaving body armor for their four-legged K-9 officers. President Sandy Marcal began working with law enforcement agencies in 2000 to coordinate efforts between various law enforcement agencies, vest sponsorships, fundraising events and the media within Massachusetts. In 2011, efforts were expanded to assist police dogs throughout the U.S. Learn more at vik9s.org.
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SOURCE Perrigo Animal Health