HPD gets a Grant from VEST-A-DOG

by Paul Saulnier 2/16/12

February 16, 2012. Chief John Moore welcomed officers from Wareham, Westford, the State Police, and the Environmental Police as Holliston prepared to accept a grant from Vesta-A-Dog to prepare for its own K-9 unit.

Chief Moore pointed out the the HPD budget would not be tapped or augmented to support this important program. Grants and donations would cover the costs. He gratefully acknowledged individual donations from Michael Szczepan, Division Manager of Allied Waste, Deputy Fire Chief Jim Moore, Helen Medwig, and Star Sign for donating sign work, and The Little Green Phone Book. Ashland and Bellingham PDs, already set up with K-9 units, provided considerable support to Chief Moore as he began the process.

Kathy Hines, President of VEST-A-DOG, reviewed all six grants awarded this year, which included support for ongoing programs in the other towns and departments represented today. VEST-A-DOG provided grants of bite suits used in training, bulletproof vests for the dogs,and other items necessary for the proper training and care of the dogs. A well trained dog can cost between $4,500 and $10,000, according to Hines. She noted that local K-9 units appear to be lacking in female handlers and she hopes that will change.

Kathy Hines, above right, presents the $5,000 grant to Chief Moore as Andrea Minihan, above left, looks on. Chief Moore acknowledged the efforts of Andrea and others in obtaining this grant for Holliston. The Selectmen encouraged the effort and Donna Muzzi make the initial contact with VEST-A-DOG. Officer Matt Stone, above between Moore and Hines, a six year veteran with the force, volunteered to run the K-9 unit.

Andrea unveiled the bubble board that indicates a total of $20,000 that will be necessary to fund the K-9 unit. 

After the presentation , a demonstation was held outside with three dogs trained for different tasks, as the officer above slips into a bite suit to survive being subdued by one of the dogs.

This small dog was very friendly as he scanned everyone in the area. Happily he didn't stop and point to anyone.

This dog named Diesel was more aggressive so his handler kept a tight hold of the leash. Later he found a five ounce bag of "grass" in a HPD car.

It took about a nanosecond for Benny, sporting a bullet proof vest, to zero in and latch onto the perp in the bite suit.

Henry Tate, above left with his father Jeff, believes in the K-9 program and is organizing a fund raiser to help start the program in Holliston.

Someday, Officer Stone will be wearing a shirt with this on the back. If you see it, stand perfectly still. According to Kathy Hines, the dogs are trained to focus on sudden movements or threats to their handlers.

The VEST-A-DOG mascot is a lot friendlier.

For more information on VEST-A-DOG,  an independent, all-volunteer, non-profit 501(c)3 organization, go to their web site: mavestadog.org

Posted in Police/Fire.

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