Aliquippa Police Department's K-9 Stella received a bulletproof and stab protective vest

Story by Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Sandy Giordano

(Aliquippa, Pa.) Aliquippa Police Department’s K-9 Stella received a bulletproof and stab protective vest , according to her handler Officer Nicco D’Arrigo The vest was provided thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit Vested Interest in k-9’s, Inc. The vest is embroidered with the sentiment “honoring those who served and sacrificed.” The charity was established in 2009 and is a 501(c) (3) and their mission is to provide the bulletproof and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement agencies throughout the United States, according to a press release. The vests weigh an average 4-5 pounds, and come with a 5 year warranty .The group accepts tax deductible donations.

Officer D’Arrigo said in an interview last week that training is once a week with Dale Glatz in Center Township. He said he also goes 2-3 times a week. for training. He said the non-profit sent Narcan and a vest for the city’s other k-9 Kato whose handler is Officer Jimmy Brown.