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Commissioner Keigher - Police Department - To Accept a Donation from Bruton Beatty, of Two Ballistic Vests, a Value of $2,398 for Use by the Gaston County Police K9 Unit
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STAFF CONTACT
S.M. Zill, Chief of Police - Gaston County Police Department - 704-866-3321
BUDGET IMPACT
budget
No additional County funds needed.
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BUDGET ORDINANCE IMPACT
N/A
BACKGROUND
In September 2022, Shara Beatty contacted K9 Officer B. K. Hoyle in regards to the K9 Unit and ballistic vests. Ms. Beatty advised her son, Bruton Beatty, a 5th grade student at Rankin Elementary School, was tasked with a community service project as a member of the school safety patrol program. Bruton chose to build bird houses to be placed at local parks, provide ballistic vests for Police K9's, and donate the remaining proceeds to an animal hospital to help those unable to afford veterinary costs.
Mr. Beatty raised money for the project through making videos, posting them on social media requesting donations and selling humming bird food. To get an idea of the cost for a K9 vest, the Beatty family was provided several different options to consider. Premier Body Armor, a local manufacturer of ballistic vests, was chosen to partner with Bruton to provide the vest.
Through Bruton's hard work and fundraising, he was able to build 10 bird houses for local parks, purchase two ballistic vests and donate approximately $200 to a local animal hospital.
The two vests have a total value of $2,398. The nylon vests will provide Level III A armor with chest and belly coverage, providing 360-degree coverage for the canines. The vests will be utilized by Canine Panenka and Canine Ebo on a routine basis to assist with canine operations involving building searches and during the apprehension of any high risk suspect operations.
Mr. Beatty purchased vests directly from Premier Body Armor for the purpose of donating to the Gaston County Police Department. No funds were exchanged between Mr. Beatty or t...
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