Cleveland Police K9 Officers Now Have Ballistic Vests Thanks to Generous Donation

CLEVELAND, OH — The Cleveland Police Canine Unit is now equipped with ballistic vests courtesy of a generous donation from A. Ripepi and Sons Funeral Homes, Inc. and by SRT K9 Unit.

The specialized vests were personally fitted to each canine and are now a part of daily operations. The vests will provide ballistic protection for our canine partners as they patrol each day to keep the citizens of the city of Cleveland safe.

“We rely on our canines each day to assist their human partners in efforts to reduce crime in the city of Cleveland,” said Police Chief Calvin D. Williams. “It is important to ensure the safety of each of our dogs."

“A. Ripepi and Son’s and SRT K9 are especially happy to be a part of the effort to keep the canine officers safe,” said Ed Ripepi. “We are proud to support the Cleveland Division of Police by providing the vests for the Canine Unit.”

“Our sincere thanks to A. Ripepi and Son’s Funeral Homes, Inc. and to SRT K9 for their generosity and making the availability of these vests possible,” said Chas W. Lane, Jr., Executive Director of the Cleveland Police Foundation.

The canine officers will utilize the vests daily during the course of their sometimes dangerous patrol duties. The ballistic protection is a much needed addition to the tools utilized in routine canine law enforcement duties.

Photos: Cleveland Police Department