Crime & Safety
Patch Snap: Burlington's K9 Havoc Has His New Vest
Patch Snap is an occasional post that features pictures from around Burlington or Burlington residents out and about.
Welcome to another edition of Patch Snap, where we highlight a picture or pictures of around Burlington or of Burlington residents out and about.
Today's Patch Snap features the Burlington Police Department's emergency K9, Havoc, sporting his new bullet-and-stab-proof vest.
As reported on Patch, last April Burlington's Anthony David Salon held a fundraising art sale featuring paintings and art pieces by salon owner Anthony Vitale and photographs by salon manager Nicole Vecchi to help Massachusetts Vest-a-Dog, Inc. to purchase the vest for Havoc, the Burlington Police Department's K-9.
Find out what's happening in Burlingtonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
At the time Kathy Hinds, a volunteer with Vest-a-Dog said the Kevlar vest was designed to stop almost all types of bullets and can prevent stab wounds. The high-end protective equipment is also lighter than the more common vests used by police dogs and has more features, including the ability to set up a hoist, a spot for an infrared or pulsating light and can hold a camera. Each vest is specifically fitted to the dog and they come with a price tag of $2,400.
"These vests are specialized for SWAT dogs and are top of the line," Hinds said. "This vest would be the 17th of its kind in the state we helped purchase."
Find out what's happening in Burlingtonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Havoc is a German Shepherd Dog born in Slovakia on April 9, 2009, and is certified in Patrol Duty (Obedience, Article Search, Evidence Recovery, Area Search, Tracking/Trailing, Building Search, Criminal Apprehension/Recall) and Narcotics Detection.
Officer Joe Papsedero, Havoc's handler, said he was very happy so many people were getting involved to help protect his four-legged partner.
"He would put himself between me and danger," Papsedero said. "And as difficult as it would be, if I had to send him to save a human life, I would do it."
Picture above is Officer Papsedero with Havoc, sporting his new vest.
Click here for our coverage of the art sale.
Do you have a picture that would make a great Patch Snap? Email it with a brief description to Richard.Hosford@Patch.com.
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