Troy's newest K9 officer receives ballistic vest

TROY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -K9 Oates is the newest police dog to work for the City of Troy. When Oates started the job, it didn’t come with a ballistic vest to keep him safe. So, his handler took matters into his own hands.

"I learned about Brady's Fund from another K9 officer. He told me about it and I went and applied for a vest for my partner," explained Nico Carello, Patrolman.

Brady’s K9 Fund is a nonprofit that has donated more than 1,000 ballistic vests to police dogs. They cost $1,200 and Carello says it's worth every penny. "Oates goes into the danger first so the least we can do for him is provide the same protection we have."

The K9 StreetFighter is described as a lightweight vest meant to be worn for long periods of time. It covers vital organs so the officer is protected where it counts and the dog doesn’t overheat.

These vests are one of the reasons K9 Norbi is still alive. "Last year, poor Norbi who was actually stabbed multiple times; I think over a dozen times. These vests are not only important to our officers but our K9s who are also our officers," described Mayor Carmella Mantello.

"So we know our K9s are a tool; we recognize they’re a resource but that doesn’t make it any less important. They’re a member of this department and they’re partners to those officers, those humans that are in that car and these humans care for these K9s," stated Steven Barker, Assistant Chief of Police.

President and Executive Officer of Brady's K9 Fund, Leah Tornabene, sent NEWS10's Anthony Krolikowski the following statement:

"We are dedicated to helping police K9s across the United States. I hold a consistent waitlist of K9s waiting for help. Currently, I have 54 waiting. 1,173 have been vested and $1.4 M has been raised so far since 2018. We are always so grateful for those who would like to sponsor K9s by donating an entire vest for the donation of $1,200 other donations go to the general fund to support the K9 who has been waiting the longest. I can say with great certainty that these handlers truly appreciate the support of those willing to help protect the K9s with body armor. These K9s are not only their partners, but family. Giving them the gift of body armor alleviates so much stress off their shoulders when having to deploy them in dangerous situations. 

Those who would like to help these dedicated, beautiful working dogs are welcome to make a donation at Bradysk9fund.com."