More than 1,200 people attended the ’ first annual “MECA Vest a K-9 Fest” to raise awareness and much needed funds to vest Wisconsin’s police dogs with bullet and stab-proof vests and to assist Wisconsin Police K-9 Units purchase the finest dogs and equipment needed to protect and serve the public.
The successful event, held July 14, raised more than $30,000, in which all proceeds fund the MECA Wisconsin Police Canine Vest Foundation, Inc. The foundation is committed to ensuring all police dogs in the state are provided with protective K-9 police vests.
Held on the grounds of the MECA, attendees enjoyed a multitude of educational and entertaining outdoor events, including police dog demonstrations, agility demonstrations, food, raffles, and music and entertainment by eight-time WAMI award winner, Ronnie Nyles and more.
Milwaukee Brewers Cody Ransom, Mat Gamel and Martin Maldonado attended the event to meet and greet fans, and show their support of the foundation’s vital cause.
In addition the the Brewers, several donors, vendors, volunteers, local businesses and police departments, including Greenfield's, the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Department, Milwaukee Police Department, Glendale and Brown Deer Police Departments, participated.
According to a news release, nationwide, more than 12 police dogs die every year in the line of duty and there is in excess of 235 K-9 officers in the state of Wisconsin alone.
For more information and to view additional photos from the highly successful event, visit www.mecavestak9policedogwi.org or www.erforanimals.com, or check out this Patch .
