Friends Raise Funds To Donate Bullet Proof Dog Vests To New Rochelle Police K9s

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Two members of the New Rochelle Police Department were presented with a special gift on Friday.

As CBS2's Alex Denis reported, residents were compelled to raise money to keep the force safe.

Two friends, both from New Rochelle, wanted to do something for those who serve.

Jennifer Ubl, who works at an animal hospital, recruited Jessica Levine to create a GoFundMe account for the department's most 'fur-rocious' protectors.

"This is my home, so anything I can do to give back I do," Levine said.

They raised $3,000 in less than a month and it all started with a simple phone call.

"I called New Rochelle and I asked them if they had one,, and they said they did, but it was a couple years old, and they don't know how good it is,"

No need to wonder anymore because Tank and Valor now have state of the art K9 vests for protection.

The vests are similar to what the swat team wears during high risk tactical situations. They're bullet and stab proof.

The extra 6 lbs of protection may not look like much, but handlers now have peace of mind.

"It's great to know that I can send him into a dangerous situation with that much more confidence," Officer Mark Weinerman said.

Officers were extremely touched by the gesture, and said their K9s do just as much as them in keeping the community safe.

The bond they share is real.

"I get goose bumps and chills when I hear that people appreciate us and want to help us out," Officer Matthew Glass said, "He is a work tool, but at the same time you create this bond that's unmatched. I would probably die for him as he would die for me."

A sentiment Tank and Valor surely share.

The friends purchased three vests for the department.