Milford Police Department K9 Tyson with his handler Officer Kevin Hilliard. Photo courtesy of the Milford Police Department.
The Milford Police Department’s K9 “Tyson” has been awarded a ballistic vest thanks to a nonprofit organization that provides body armor for police animals.
Tyson will receive a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation made through Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. in East Taunton, Massachusetts. The vest is sponsored by Milford resident Paula Sogan and will be embroidered with the sentiment “In memory of Dave Sogan.” Delivery is expected within eight to ten weeks.
Tyson is a 2-year-old German Shepherd certified in Patrol work and assigned to Officer Kevin Hilliard of the Milford Police Department. Tyson became a member of the department in December 2019 upon graduating from the 208th Connecticut State Police Patrol Dog Class.
During training Tyson learned obedience, tracking, evidence recovery and handler protection. While not working, Tyson enjoys going for walks, playing with his “chewy” and wrestling with his K9 brother Nash.
The donation to provide one protective vest for a law enforcement K9 is $960. Each vest has a value between $1,744 and $2,283 and a five-year warranty.