Ballistic Vests for Reno PD Canine
Donation protected
My name is Stephen Lewis. My wife, Diane Carlson, and I are hoping to convince you to help protect the service K-9's of the Reno Police Department by donating money to purchase life-saving ballistic vets . During my career as an US Army cavalry scout and combat officer, I served with and observed military working dogs as well as military police K-9's. I quickly realized these service dogs were vital to our mission and were the most loyal battle buddies you could have. Unfortunately, during my career, most of these K-9's were not protected by ballistic vests and many were killed or injured because of it. I always felt that these K-9 soldiers had our backs but did we have theirs?
Currently, all of Reno's K-9's are conducting their patrols without ballistic vests that would protect them against attack. During the years 2017 - 2018, 14 police K-9's throughout the United States have been killed in the line of duty due to shootings and stabbings.
Recently we were introduced to one of the RPD K-9 dedicated teams- Sgt. Schwartz and Rone. We could see and feel the special bond that existed between them . Partners during patrol, they are also family members. At the end of each day, Rone goes home with Sgt. Schwartz and is part of his family. A few years ago I had to put to sleep my best buddy of 15 years, Mindi, a black Lab, due to painful, debilitating hip dysplasia. To this day it still affects me so I can't imagine what it would be like to lose your partner as well as a family member to a hostile act.
So how can you help protect Reno's K-9's like Rone? What many people may not realize is that the K-9 unit, also called to assist many allied agencies at the local, state, and federal levels within the states of Nevada and California, is funded primarily through donations. It costs between $1000 - $2000 to purchase a ballistic vest.
I am trying to raise enough money to purchase a vest for each of Reno's six K-9's. Therefore my goal is to raise $12,000 before December 2018 to present the vests to the RPD K-9 unit for Christmas. I appreciate everyone's help.
Currently, all of Reno's K-9's are conducting their patrols without ballistic vests that would protect them against attack. During the years 2017 - 2018, 14 police K-9's throughout the United States have been killed in the line of duty due to shootings and stabbings.
Recently we were introduced to one of the RPD K-9 dedicated teams- Sgt. Schwartz and Rone. We could see and feel the special bond that existed between them . Partners during patrol, they are also family members. At the end of each day, Rone goes home with Sgt. Schwartz and is part of his family. A few years ago I had to put to sleep my best buddy of 15 years, Mindi, a black Lab, due to painful, debilitating hip dysplasia. To this day it still affects me so I can't imagine what it would be like to lose your partner as well as a family member to a hostile act.
So how can you help protect Reno's K-9's like Rone? What many people may not realize is that the K-9 unit, also called to assist many allied agencies at the local, state, and federal levels within the states of Nevada and California, is funded primarily through donations. It costs between $1000 - $2000 to purchase a ballistic vest.
I am trying to raise enough money to purchase a vest for each of Reno's six K-9's. Therefore my goal is to raise $12,000 before December 2018 to present the vests to the RPD K-9 unit for Christmas. I appreciate everyone's help.
Organizer
Stephen Lewis
Organizer
Reno, NV
