NPDF DIRECTOR DONATES BODY ARMOR FOR BSO K-9 POLICE DOG

The NPDF has expanded its SAFE COP program to provide bullet proof vests for K-9 Police Dogs to provide them protection in police operations. It is a new trend in police work to protect K-9 police duties that have been the target of increased assaults by suspects.

BSO RECEIVING PROTECTIVE VEST
IN K-9 OOZI'S MEMORY.

11 a.m., Tuesday, Aug. 25th

BSO PSB at 2601 W. Broward Blvd., Ft. Lauderdale

To honor a fallen K-9, and protect his replacement, Sheriff Al Lamberti will accept a bullet-resistant dog vest in a brief ceremony on Tuesday.

On July 17th of last year, BSO K-9 Oozi was shot and killed in the line of duty after a domestic disturbance led to a multi-agency confrontation in Miami Beach. A BSO Explorers member, who knew Oozi and his partner, Deputy Jerry Wengert, wanted to prevent such tragedies in the future, so he arranged to have a canine bullet-resistant vest made and donated for the dog that is taking Oozi’s place. The former Explorer (Robert Rausch), Dep. Wengert and his new partner, K-9 Bali, will be at BSO headquarters to officially accept the custom made body armor.

Rausch served as an Explorer in Cooper City, where Dep. Wengert and Oozi were based, and he got to know them both. After Oozi died Rausch started doing research and contacted Point Blank Body Armor to manufacture a vest for Bali, a 3-year-old Belgian Malinois trained for patrol work. Rausch also made contact with the National Police Defense Foundation and its founder and executive director, Joseph Occhipinti, agreed to fund the purchase through the Florida Police Defense Foundation. Mr. Occhipinti, a former federal agent, will also be on hand to present the vest, which is green in color and emblazoned with the word “sheriff.”

K-9 Bali will receive and try on the new vest for the first time during the presentation.

Sgt Lyndean Peters from the Golden Beach PD will also be a recipient of another vest for him and his K-9 “Bento.”

This report by:

Jim Leljedal / PIO
8/24/09 1600