Two Northeast Ohio police departments are among the finalists in a nationwide contest. The winning department gets a brand new K-9 cruiser.
29 departments are finalist in the contest sponsored by Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. The non profit organization provides bullet and stab-protective vests and other assistance to dogs for law enforcement and related agencies throughout the country. The organization is now giving away a totally equipped K-9 cruiser.
The K-9 cars are different from other patrol cars. The K-9 cruisers are specially equipped with features to keep the K-9 officers and deputies safe. For example, the cars are equipped with temperature monitors that alert the officer if the car gets too hot for the K-9 cop.
Because of the special features, the cars are expensive, which can be difficult for some smaller departments to afford.
Cleveland Metroparks Police Department located in Fairview Park and the Bedford Police Department are finalists in the contest.
“It would be a big thing for us. All of our cruisers have been purchased used from other cities, so this is just getting old and ready for retirement,” said Bedford Police Officer Dave Kempski. He is hoping to win the new fully equipped Chevy Tahoe for his K-9 partner Luka.
Bedford, The Metroparks Police and St. Clairsville Police Departments are the three Ohio departments competing for the prize.
You can vote by clicking here.
