Green Bay K-9 Police Officer Will Receive Life-saving Vest Courtesy of the MECA Foundation and Flat Rate Fox Cities

Green Bay, WI, June 15, 2015 (Newswire.com) - Green Bay’s Police K9 Unit will soon be patrolling the streets with a little added safety.  Today the MECA Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting every police dog in the state of Wisconsin with bullet proof and stab resistant vests, announced that George, a K9 officer since 2011, will be receiving a vest.  This generous gift was made possible by Flat Rate Fox Cities, an Appleton area plumbing company.

“As an avid animal lover, we had to help these brave dogs that put their lives on the line daily to keep our communities safe,” said Ryan Gumieny, Vice President of Flat Rate Fox Cities.

The Green Bay Police Department K-9 Unit currently has 6 canine officers – only 3 of whom have bullet and stab resistant vests.  George is a 6 year old German Shepard who works side by side with his handler, Officer Derek Wicklund. Having the K9’s protected by these vests not only protect them, but allow their human handler some added comfort.  Police K9s assist their handlers in anything from narcotic searches to tracking, building searches, area searches, arrests and article finds.  George is a dual purpose dog – he is trained in patrol work as well as narcotic searches.  

“George is an invaluable part of patrol. The training and dedication of George and Officer Wicklund has paid off immensely by the safe resolution of many incidences through the years. In addition, countless narcotic finds have removed a substantial amount of illegal drugs off the streets,” said Lt. Matt VanEgeren, Green Bay Police Department.

Flat Rate Fox Cities has not only donated the funds to make this vest possible, but has also teamed up with the MECA Foundation for their annual fundraiser, MECA Vest A K9 Fest.  MECA Vest A K-9 Fest is an annual event, held at the Milwaukee Emergency Center for animals in Greenfield, WI, to raise funds for police canines throughout Wisconsin to be equipped with bullet and stab proof vests and to assist police departments with the purchase of new canine officers.  This family-friendly event includes live entertainment, guest appearances by Green Bay Packers and Milwaukee Brewers, food and fun for all ages.

Since 1989, our goal has always been to become the premier home services provider. Our years of experience servicing the entire Northeastern Wisconsin area have made us the trusted plumbing, heating, and air conditioning professionals. 

For more information on this year’s MECA Vest A K-9 Fest, log on to mecafoundation.org, erforanimals.com or call 414-543-7387.  If you would like to set up an interview with Dr. Marla Lichtenberger, please contact Debra Lopez of Debra Lopez Public Relations at 262-989-0604.  To schedule an interview with Flat Rate Fox Cities, please contact Shannon Roeglin of Debra Lopez Public Relations at 414-315-1881.