APPD canines need bulletproof vests

Pets are people, too. Actually, for the Avon Park Police Department, Ringo and Hex are officers.

Together they've assisted in over 100 arrests, tracked suspects, found missing children and led officers to narcotics.

It's a dangerous job, but unlike their fellow officers they don't have bulletproof vests to protect them.

The Avon Park's First Presbyterian Church youth group will soon change that.

Their first fundraising challenge is to raise $1,800 to buy bulletproof vests for the K-9s.

"The dogs can save the police officer's life and the lives around them," said Dave Blackmon, the church's youth pastor.

The K-9 unit is a big part of a police department. Avon Park spent $20,500 for its dogs.

It is well worth it, said Avon Park Police Officer Jose Molina, because they save lives.

In Brooksville, a Hernando County Sheriff's Office dog is credited for taking the bullet for several officers. Kilo, on a 50 foot-leash, sniffed out a suspect hidden behind a shed.

The suspect fired at Kilo, hitting its side, lower lip and grazing its leg. Another bullet that lodged in Kilo's bulletproof vest could've killed him.

"The canine itself is an officer. They are doing a dangerous job," Blackmon said.

The fundraising project started during a canine demonstration at Avon Elementary School in July.

A student in Rene Blackmon's class asked Molina if the dogs had bulletproof vests.

"No," he said, "We can't afford them."

Rene Blackmon brought the idea of fundraising for the vests to her husband Dave and it was presented to the youth group Sunday.

"I totally think we can do it," said Victoria Stevenson, the Blackmons' daughter and youth member.

"If my dog was on the force, I would do anything to protect it," she said.

Blackmon is incorporating the fundraising effort with his lesson on character building.

"This will teach the kids that they can do something to help someone else," he said.

The youth group is a mix of about 20 kids from the sixth grade to college. They've been meeting once a week for almost two years.

"They're pumped," Blackmon said.

It's a lot of money but the kids have planned car washes and hot dog and burger sales to raise the money.

The church will be contacting local businesses for assistance in fundraising and ask some to lend them their parking lots.

The church wants the children to work for their money. Donations will only be accepted at car washes and other fundraising events.

"We want them to earn it," Rene Blackmon said.

For more information on the fundraisers, contact First Presbyterian Church in Avon Park at 863-453-3242.