Group donates bulletproof vest to Florence K-9 unit

FLORENCE, Ky. (WTVQ) – “Det” has a dangerous job, but the Florence Police Department’s K-9 unit will be a lot safer wearing a new bullet and stab proof protective vest.

The vest came to the station as the result of a donation from Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., though the gift’s origin is a bit more storied.

According to the Florence Police Department, it all started with a nationwide online fundraiser created by retired Officer Matt Hickey, of Marietta, Ohio.  Hickey wanted to keep his K-9 partner, “Ajax,” after retiring, and started raising money to buy the dog through his program “Help Officer Hickey Vest K9s.”

The fundraiser was a huge success, with Officer Hickey raising over $65,000 dollars.  Upon retirement, Hickey bought his K-9 partner for the sum of $1 dollar, and donated the rest to Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.

The money Hickey raised will provide protection for more K-9’s than “Det.”  In fact, Hickey’s donation will provide a total of 62 dogs with protective vests.