Police dogs in Central Okanagan get ballistic vest thanks to donation

KELOWNA – The Kelowna Morningside Rotary Club has donated life-saving ballistic protection vests to the police service dogs in the Central Okanagan.

The protection vests were first donated to the Kelowna RCMP last summer, according to a media release. Since then, police dogs serving the region have worn their protective gear on countless calls including tracking criminals and VIP protection duties.

“I am very grateful for the generous donation of these vests which will provide our canine partners with a layer of protection against offenders who may choose to brandish sharp objects during an arrest,” Kelowna RCMP police dog handler Const. Ray Sahay says in the release.

“These specialized vests could also protect our dogs from unknown hazards such as sharp branches or metal objects which they may encounter while tracking suspects or even missing persons in open areas or even confined spaces," he says.

The vests are made in North America and are designed custom to fit each dog.

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