Courtesy NHPD
Officer Martin Feliciano with Ax.
When New Haven police dog Ax and his human partner Officer Martin Feliciano hit the streets, they’ll both have the protection of body armor.
Zo and Officer Joseph Roberts.
Thanks to a donation from Beth DeGroat of Stamford, Ax will receive a potentially lifesaving vest. Fellow police dog, Zo, who is paired with Officer Joseph Roberts, also will receive a vest from Vested Interest in K‑9s Inc.
“These dogs are much more than an officer’s companion,” Sgt. Renee Dominguez, the facilitator of the NHPD’s K‑9 program, stated in a press release. “They are protectors of our community and deserve to be protected themselves.”
Crime-fighting is dangerous work; police officers wear body armor that can save their lives if they are shot or attacked. Their four-legged partners are susceptible to similar attacks; hence the need for body armor specifically designed to protect them.
“Police officers and their canine partners share a powerful bond,” Police spokesman David Hartman wrote in the press release. “Their lives, both at work and home are intertwined. They work and train together, and in volatile situations, they rely on one another to stay safe.”
As Ax wears his vest, everyone will know that it’s from DeGroat and her family because “In dogs we trust. The DeGroat family,” will be embroidered on it.
“This gift of protection provided by Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.,” will be embroidered on Zo’s vest. The vests have been measured and delivery is expected in about two months, according to Hartman.
The New Haven Police Department has eight dogs, five of which need to wear body armor as part of their duties. One of the department’s dogs already has a vest. With Zo and Ax getting their vests soon, the department has two dogs left that need to be outfitted with vests and are on a waiting list, Hartman said.
