New Castle County Pride Inc. donated nearly $3,000 to New Castle County Police for the purchase of six bulletproof vests for its K-9 dogs on Thursday, Dec. 30.
The nonprofit New Castle County Pride presented a check made out for $2,932.16 to county police at the Judge Morris Estate on the grounds of White Clay Creek State Park near Pike Creek.
Several people donated money in the past few months in large part because of the Nov. 11, 2009 shooting of county police canine Diablo in Brandywine Hundred, County Pride President Richard Przywara said. Diablo was the first to engage the suspect Eric Weit, 34, who had been reported for a domestic incident. The suspect shot Diablo when the police canine attempted to apprehend him, and police shot Weit when he opened fire on them as well.
Diablo underwent successful emergency surgery at University of Pennsylvania Animal Hospital. Weit also underwent surgery at Christiana Hospital.
“I think we all recognize the danger these dogs are in each time the county police respond to a call,” Przywara said. “The canine is often the first of the team to enter a dangerous situation.
“People have been sending money in $5, $50 and $100 increments,” he said. “This month in particular, one fellow sent in enough money to buy one vest because he saw the dogs in action.”
New Castle County Police Officer Jennifer Bunora, with her canine partner Lucca, accepted the donation on behalf of the police department. Lucca, a 9-year-old male, is a black Belgium shepherd – a handsome specimen.
“The department is very thrilled with this,” Bunora said. “You can’t ask for a better thing. The dogs are the best partners out there. We enjoy our job very much. This is an added bonus.”
County police will use the money to order bulletproof vests for the next class of dogs to join the force, Bunora said. The dogs will be measured from their head to their tail for custom made vests – complete with the New Castle County Police seal. The vests, made by U.S. Armor, last three to five years.
As for Diablo, he is home resting comfortably, Bunora said. Diablo’s partner, Officer Chris Sarnecky is training with a new dog, Cooper.
New Castle County Pride donated thousands of dollars to help cover the veterinary bills for Diablo, Przywara said.
The police canine donation is only one example of the assistance the nonprofit has provided New Castle County, County Councilman Tim Sheldon (D-Pike Creek) said in a prepared statement.
"The K-9 unit is the unsung heroes of our police department and this donation will help ensure their safety,” he said.
The organization has also assisted county government with programs and materials that have been adversely affected by budget cuts, Przywara said. For more information or to make contributions, visit www.nccpride.org.
