Community raises ballistic vests funds for Sarasota County K9s
Image of the only ballistic K9 vest that Sarasota County Sheriff's Office owned in early April. The agency shared this photo on April 12, saying they can't afford five more for the entire K9 unit. (Courtesy: Sarasota County Sheriff's Office)
SARASOTA (FOX 13) - Within a few days, the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office received enough donations from the community to purchase ballistic vests for its K9 unit.
On April 12, the agency posted a photo on Facebook showing one if its K9s wearing the vest, but wrote that they need to purchase five more for the remaining members of the unit. Each vest is worth $1,700. A Sarasota County resident, Judy Braham, took notice.
With the agency’s permission, Judy set up a GoFundMe page. It went live on April 20 and within three days, she raised more than $4,110, closing the page on April 23. Community members held fundraisers, personal checks were written and online campaigns helped the agency foot the rest of the bill.
“This is one of those unique experiences that is hard to put into words,” said Sheriff Tom Knight in a statement. “This is the kind of community we live in; these are the kind of people we serve and we just feel humbled they took it upon themselves to make an investment in their sheriff’s office. This experience is something our K-9 Unit will remember for years to come.”
The sheriff’s office will order the five ballistic vests when they receive the funds. Each vest will be custom-ordered and fitted for each K9, and will take several weeks to arrive. The agency plans to invite donors to meet each K9 once they’re equipped with their new vests.