MUSKEGON COUNTY - Each week, Grand Rapids Harley Davidson and West Michigan’s Most Wanted honors a member of law enforcement who has gone above and beyond the call of duty to help the community they serve.
This week, an 11-year-old boy from Muskegon County is being honored for his efforts to try to help a K9 Deputy get a bulletproof vest.
Kyle O'Brien took action shortly after learning K9 'Rex' with the Muskegon County Sheriff's Office was in need of the body armor to help protect him from the possible hazards he'd face in the line of duty, starting a fundraiser to pay for the vest.
The Go Fund Me account will be donated to Vested Interest in K9s Inc., a 501c (3) charity located in East Taunton, MA. The organization is on a mission to provide bullet and stab protective vests for law enforcement dogs throughout the United States.
Since its establishment in 2009, Vested Interest in K9s Inc. has provided more than 1,395 law enforcement dogs in 49 states with protective vests. An estimated cost of $1.3 million dollars.
O'Brien is hoping to raise the $2,200 needed to provide K9 'Rex' with the vest he needs. O'Brien took action after learning several police agencies lack the funding needed to pay for the vests.
O'Brien says he hopes to join the ranks of the Michigan State Police when he grows up, and work with the K9 unit.
If you're interested in helping O'Brien with his efforts, click here.
Congratulations to both O'Brien and K9 'Rex' on their Hero of the Week nominations for June 13.
