SEBASTIAN – New ballistics vests are giving K-9 partners Armor, Yoda, Titan and Rocky at the Sebastian Police Department more protection when in pursuit of suspects, thanks to a Vero Beach groomer.
“It gives us an added sense of security for our partners,” K-9 Officer Eric Antosia said of the new, top-of-the-line vests his partner, Armor, received. The officer said that parents with children could relate. “He’s like another member of the family,” Officer Antosia said of Armor, who is best friends with the officer’s son.
Martin Lavander, owner of Blue Ribbon Boarding and Grooming, was recently presented a plaque of appreciation from the City of Sebastian for his donation of more than $2,000, which he earmarked for new ballistics vests for the canines.
“They’re the first officers on the scene,” Lavander said of the K-9s. “They’re fearless.”
He added that it is difficult to find a human willing to run at a loaded gun – but the canines do just that.
“Anything that can help protect them is definitely a benefit,” Officer Antosia said.
For the last two years, Lavander and his staff have put on “Yappy Hour” events to raise money and awareness for all of the county’s K-9 units. So far, his events have raised enough money to outfit each of the county’s 13 canines – including the four in Sebastian, one in Vero Beach, seven in the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office, and one more within the Florida Highway Patrol.
“We just can’t thank them enough for their hard work and generous gift,” Office Antosia said.
He said that he doubts his department would have purchased new vests for the canines if not for Lavander’s donation, due to budget cuts.
So far, nine of the 13 custom tailored vests have been ordered. Lavander said the
remaining four canines still need to have their measurements taken before their vests can be purchased.
Typical ballistics vests for K-9 units can cost between $1,300 and $2,500 each, Lavander said.
“We did some finagling and haggling,” Lavander said, and got the price cut to $600 each – enough for each canine.
The new vests will replace the old, outdated models.
“One looks, literally, like a turtle shell,” Lavander said of one of the old models he’s seen.
Canine officers around the county are often called upon to clear scenes, track down suspects – and missing people – and sniff out hidden narcotics.
“The dogs have a wide range of usefulness,” Officer Antosia said, noting that if not for the canines, clearing large structures – such as St. Sebastian Catholic Church – would take numerous officers and perhaps an hour to go through.
Instead, he, with Armor, were able to clear the campus in 15 minutes.
With the money raised for the vests, Lavander said his next Yappy Hour – Yappy Hour 2.5 set for an as of yet undetermined date in October – is expected to serve as a naming party for the next K-9 coming to the Sheriff’s Office.
“We’re just a small group of nobody’s in Vero,” Lavander said.
While the new vests fill a need within each of the law enforcement agencies’ K-9 divisions, more assistance can always be used.
“There are always needs and wants in the K-9 unit, just like any other department,” Officer Antosia said, adding that any individuals or groups who want to contribute need only contact their local police department – or the Sheriff’s Office – to find out what is on their wish lists.
Blue Ribbon Boarding and Grooming, located on 10th Avenue in Vero Beach, has been in operation since 2004 and offers services to both dogs and cats. For more information about the business, visit www.BlueRibbonBoardingAndGrooming.com.