AURORA | The Aurora Police Department raising cash to provide bullet-resistant vests for its six canine officers — Bill, Cyrus, Jax, Loki, Martigan and Neko.
One of those officers, Loki, has been on the force for more than six years and joined when he was just a pup.
Loki is certified in both patrol apprehension and narcotic detection and has received the Aurora Police Department’s Distinguished Service Cross for apprehending an armed individual who shot at the police, said Aurora Police Agent Matthew Longshore, public information officer. Longshore said Loki was instrumental in stopping a man with a knife who was trying to attack people on an RTD bus.
“Loki is not invincible though, as he one time lost a fight to a raccoon,” Longshore said in an email.
Loki’s partner in justice, Officer Robert Wong, intends to keep safe for work so they can continue doing what they love in their free time, hiking and summiting Colorado “fourteeners.”
Longshore said that when the special occasion arises, Loki is awarded his favorite treat – a pup cup.
Police say the highly trained working dogs play a crucial role in law enforcement, assisting in the pursuit of violent offenders, narcotics detection, article searches and building clearances.
To ensure their safety in the line of duty, the department is partnering with the nonprofit organization 30×30 Fundraising. The total cost for all six vests and leashes is $21,660. With 30×30 Fundraising’s nonprofit discounts, the department saves $1,938 — funds that the department says would otherwise be unattainable to law enforcement agencies.
The vests protect the dogs against stabbings, shrapnel, impalement, environmental hazards and handgun bullets, police say. Fundraising efforts would ensure all six dogs receive the gear.
Donations can be made online at Vest Aurora PD K9s. Contributions are fee-free, and any excess funds raised beyond the $21,660 goal will be directed to providing vests for additional canine officers.
To donate by check, contributions should be made to “30×30 Fundraising” and mailed to:
30×30 Fundraising, 635 Clark Rd Exec Suite, Bellingham, WA 96225, Include “Aurora PD K9s” in the memo line.