Middlesex Sheriff’s Office K-9 featured in 2016 Massachusetts Vest-a-Dog calendar

BILLERICA, Mass. – Middlesex Sheriff’s Office K-9 Mik is one of 12 police and fire dogs featured in the 2016 Massachusetts Vest-a-Dog calendar.

Massachusetts Vest-a-Dog is a non-profit, whose mission is to support police dogs and K-9 units by helping to provide bulletproof vests for K-9s, equipment, training, and dogs.

“This is great recognition for Lt. Kelley and Mik,” said Middlesex Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian.  “They are an excellent team and a tremendous asset for the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office.  I also want to thank Massachusetts Vest-a-Dog for their outstanding work and their continued support of our K-9 Unit.”

Mik, an eight-year-old German Shepherd certified in patrol duty and narcotics detection, has been partnered with Lieutenant Michael Kelley for seven years.  In addition to their duties at the Middlesex Jail and House of Correction, Lt. Kelley and Mik provide mutual assistance to area police departments and routinely participate in demonstrations for schools and community organizations.

“Mik and I are honored to be selected for this,” said Lt. Kelley.  “Massachusetts Vest-a-Dog has been an incredible partner and supporter through the years.  We look forward to working with them for years to come.”

In recent years, the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office has been able to acquire several pieces of training and protective equipment for its K-9 units thanks to Massachusetts Vest-a-Dog’s support.  In 2014 the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office secured a $1760 grant awarded by Massachusetts Vest-a-Dog to acquire a bite suit, which is utilized for training purposes.  Such suits allow the K-9s to safely conduct important apprehension drills, which are important aspects of training for both the K-9s and the handlers.

“K-9 Mik is pictured in his cruiser kennel, essential to his safe and secure transport.  Through our grant program, we’ve provided eight cruiser kennels like Mik’s at a cost of $2000 each for police dogs across Massachusetts,” explained Kathy Hinds, President of Massachusetts Vest-a-Dog.  “It’s an honor and pleasure to work with generous donors and tireless volunteers to help insure the safety of our police dogs, which in turns keeps our officers and community safer, too.”

To learn more about the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office please visit our website at www.middlesexsheriff.org.  More information about Massachusetts Vest-a-Dog can be found on the non-profit’s website www.mavestadog.org.

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Photo Caption: Mik, an eight-year-old German Shepherd certified in patrol duty and narcotics detection, has been partnered with Middlesex Sheriff’s Office Lieutenant Michael Kelley for seven years.  Mik is featured in Massachusetts Vest-A-Dog’s 2016 calendar.  Photo courtesy of David Shilale/ Massachusetts Vest-A-Dog