The East Haven police department has acquired a new piece of equipment to protect one of its most valued employees.
They call him Ace and he’s been on the force for a little over a year. His certifications include narcotics and tracking. And he’s been a valued asset, according to Officer Kevin McGuire.
“He’s done huge things," McGuire said. "He found suspects that we probably never would have found. And narcotics -- the amount of drugs that we’re getting off the streets now. He’s tracked for suspects from a missing person all the way up to a wanted felon.”
If you haven’t guessed, Ace is the police department’s four-legged K-9 officer. He’s a 2.5-year-old German Shepherd. And he recently received a life-saving bullet and stab protective vest. It’s protection Officer McGuire - Ace’s handler - has been asking for.
“We’re protected with vests everyday," McGuire said. "He’s part of this police department. He protects me and my fellow co-workers. And he will probably face the danger before any of us will. So, absolutely, he should be protected.”
The vest, valued at up to $2,300, was a charitable donation from Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., a non-profit out of Massachusetts. The armor is embroidered with the words “Honoring those who served and sacrificed.”
