PCSO K9 Ballistic Vests

Noah's Army Foundation is currently raising funds to help provide ballistic vests for K9 dogs of the Polk County Sheriff's Office of Florida. Noah's Army Foundation, based out of Lakeland, FL was formed after the death of 21-year old Noah Jeffries who passed October 4th, 2017.  Noah spent his life committed to serving his community and country as an adult.  Intending to graduate from Polk State College for Public Safety in 2018 to serve as a law enforcement officer, his dreams were cut short.  Noah had a heart for rescue dogs and K9s. He had hoped to spend some of his career serving in the K9 Unit. On October 5th, we celebrated and honored Noah's life at the 2nd Annual "Leave a Wake; A Gathering of Noah's Army," event. Our cause for this year's event is raising the monies necessary to help outfit the K9 units of Polk County with ballistic vests.  The higher end ballistic vests, which offer the  most protection are more costly and not standard issue for most law enforcement units.  The majority of law enforcement units whether city, county or state have their K9 ballistic vests  donated by organizations and private citizens. We are starting with the Polk County Sheriff's Office.  This GoFundMe is specifically so residents of Polk County Florida have the opportunity to join us in donating to this unit in appreciation of the deputies who serve to protect our safety and well-being. It's our honor, as Noah's Army Foundation, Inc, a Florida non-profit working to support first responders, to contribute to our county's K9 units, but it's a true statement and carries a greater message when our community works together to support those who are willing to give their lives protecting us. One vest averages at $1,000. $10,000 will contribute to funds already provided to complete the PCSO unit's outfitting for the dogs that actually need those types of vests.   The current population of Polk County is just over 685k people. There are 20 K9 dogs in need of vests who help guard and protect the 685k residents on a daily basis.  The K9 dogs are partners for their law enforcement officers . They are more than just a service animal to their handler. The level of trust and understanding needed between the officer/deputy/trooper and their dog takes time to nurture and develop.  For the handler,  it's not only paramount to the job that their dog be protected while on-duty, it's crucial, because this dog is their partner just in as much as another human officer is to them.  Please help us show our appreciation for their service to our community. If the funds raised exceed the $10k, the monies will go towards ballistic vests for other K9s starting with city units in Polk County and other units in neighboring counties.