Last October, local police agencies used Glenn’s Body Shop in National City as the training ground for their K-9 units.
As part of a drill, the dogs sniffed and searched the automotive building.
When a canine from the National City Police Department ran the mock operation, it did so without any protective gear.
A dog from the Chula Vista Police Department ran the same drill.
But it had a bulletproof vest on.
“He’s (Chula Vista dog) got a beautiful bulletproof vest on that says ‘police’ on it,” said Glenn Loader, owner of Glenn’s Body Shop. “Then I look at our (National City) dog and he’s got a token collar and I said, ‘Whoa, where’s the vest?’”
Loader said the dog handler told him that they didn’t have a vest for the dog.
“So I said, ‘We’ve got to change that,’” Loader said.
Loader, a longtime member of the National City Rotary Club, became concerned that without a vest, the National City canines could be harmed in the line of duty.
With the help of the Rotary Club and several other service clubs, Loader came up with the idea to host a pancake breakfast fundraiser on Sunday, Feb. 22, at the American Legion Hall at 35 East 18th St.
Tickets are $5 with proceeds going toward funding for three police dog vests, which cost about a $1,000 each, said National City Police Chief Manuel Rodriguez.
Loader, a dog lover, said gift baskets will also be raffled off.
The slogan for the event is “To protect those that protect us.”
The Police Department will also make this a community event where they will show off canines and display their SWAT and armored vehicles to the community.
Rodriguez said with police funds spread thin, dog vests are much needed.
“We’ve never had them,” Rodriguez said about the canines not being outfitted with bulletproof vests.
“The dogs have been working without them but it would obviously make it safer for them when we have dangerous situations.”
Rodriguez added that the department has been fortunate to have never witnessed a dog get killed in the line of duty.
Loader, a Bonita resident, said the event goes beyond giving back to the Police Department, but reshaping the outlook toward police across the nation.
“This is about the people breaking down these barriers of the bad image that these police are getting across the United States right now.
“There is a real human side to these thing that these animals are so loyal and they’re protecting these guys and protecting our community and protecting my business.”
Tickets can be purchased at Glenn’s Body Shop at 2855 A Ave. in National City or at the American Legion Hall on the day of the breakfast.
Donations made to the National City Rotary Foundation will be accepted.
