Nancy and Bruce Haverkamp founded the Matt Haverkamp Foundation, named for their son who was a K9 officer for Gulf Manor Police killed in car accident in 2005.
The foundation has purchased police dogs for Hamilton County police agencies. Each dog arrived for duty with body armor donated by John “Hank” Atkins Jr., president of ForceOne in Fairfield.
When the Haverkamps and Atkins learned the four dogs working patrol and drug detection duties at the Butler County Sheriff’s Office did not have vests, they wanted to make sure the canines also were fitted with the life-saving gear. The three Belgian shepherd malinois and a Labrador retriever will soon be fitted for their vests, which are made of the same material their human partners wear. The price tag for each vest is between $800 and $1,000.
“We are glad to be able to do this in our son’s memory,” said Nancy Haverkamp. “He loved his job and loved is dog.”
Sheriff Richard K. Jones thanked the Haverkamps and ForceOne, noting the dogs are “often the first ones in to a dangerous situation ... they save lives.”
Deputy Mike Baker and his canine partner Prin’s will be one of the beneficiaries. Baker is sure his shepherd won’t mind wearing the vest. It is important to keep Prin’s safe because he is a pet to Baker’s three children. but on the job he is “fast and mean” when chasing down criminals.
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