Brooklyn Park Police K9 Meeko to Receive Bullet Protective Vest
For the last six months, Meeko, a 2-year-old German shepherd, has played a vital role for the Brooklyn Park Police Department.
“This is kind of the beginning of our change in philosophy with K-9s, where we’re really focused on tracking, using the dog’s nose, versus biting,” said Brooklyn Park Police Inspector Elliot Faust.
Mainly, Meeko has been used to find missing people — often criminals who fled from a scene — and firearms.
“Firearms and things that might have been used in crimes,” said Faust. “We’re really focused on finding firearms.”
However, Faust admits it can be a dangerous job. It’s why Meeko will soon receive some added protection in the form of a bullet and stab protective vest.
Brooklyn Park Police Officer Cameo Strong with K9 Meeko.
“It’s really kind of unique because somebody in our community actually sponsored this vest,” said Faust. “Their name is going to be embroidered on the vest, and so that very generous person is able to have their mark on the dog and it’s just kind of a cool thing.”
The body armor comes from the nonprofit, Vested Interest in K9s. K9 Meeko’s vest is sponsored by Brooklyn Park-based Parkos Accounting and will be embroidered with the sentiment “This gift of protection provided by Todd and Linda”. Delivery is expected within eight to ten weeks.
“Having that tool with us all the time is super, super important, because you don’t know what’s going to come out in the radio five minutes from now. That tool could be what saves that dog’s life,” said Faust of the vest.
Each vest has a value of roughly $1,800 and weighs 4 to 5 lbs.
Related: New Truck to Help Brooklyn Park Police Monitor Distracted Driving
