Lake County Sheriff K9 “Jax” Receives Ballistic Vest
Protecting K9 Heroes is pleased to announce that K9 Jax of the Lake County Sheriff’s Department, has been granted a ballistic vest. This gift of protection was made possible by donations to Protecting K9 Heroes. K9 Jax is assigned to Joe Stasko and is 2-year-old Belgian Malinois. Jax loves playing with his family and working hard to catch criminals. He does not like going to the vet. Stasko and K9 Jax have previously received our Narcan Kit as well as a Trauma kit.
Naloxone, also known as Narcan, blocks the effects of opioids and reverses overdoses within 2-5 minutes. Each kit includes one 4 Mg device as well as a Narcan Holster. The K9 must still be seen by a veterinarian. Unfortunately, we risk losing K9s to the drug epidemic during searches and our goal is to have their handlers properly equipped in the case of emergencies. Handlers are instructed to receive training from their local veterinarians on the proper use of this product.
The Trauma kits are equipped with first aid and trauma supplies for both the handler and K9. Protecting K9 Hero’s created a backpack style trauma kit so that handlers can throw it on while on possibly long tracks. We want to ensure one hand is on the leash and one is free for emergencies if they arise. There is also room to add extra water, ammo, and anything else they see fit. The kits are lightweight and weigh less than 6lbs. They hope this lightweight and handsfree trauma kit encourages handlers to always take their kits into the field with them.
Protecting K9 Heroes NFP Ltd is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that is operated on a volunteer basis only. They can protect K9s through donations and support from the community. It is their mission to reduce the amount of K9 related deaths throughout the United States by supplying as many of them with the protection they need. They offer ballistic vests, K9 First Aid Kits, and Narcan Kits.
If you are interested in making a tax-deductible donation or helping to protect a K9, you may donate through their website at www.protectingk9heroes.com or checks can be mailed to: Protecting K9 Heroes P.O. Box 422 Glenwood, IL 60425. They can be reached at 708-480-2292. You can also follow Protecting K9 Heroes on Facebook!
You never think you will be a parent of the death of you own child to Heroine. When you hear a horn blowing and screaming you never ever imagine it is your child out in your driveway not breathing. That was about 2 years ago. I vaguely remember trying to breathe for my son I vaguely remember being told Narcan did not work the first time I remember my screams like being in a tunnel or from very far away. Then I was told a second dose was used and my son had a pulse. But, he could still be lost and overdose again even after the Narcan emergency treatment. 8 Hours later we came home with our only son. We all including him carry Narcan in my purse wherever it fits it goes with. He’s never touched that drug or those old friends again. I can’t say thank you enough because I don’t remember who all was at my home but I can say you saved a life. My only child. Thanks for the ongoing work not for profit help for the officers and the furry friends that help and often give their lives to save someone else’s. I’m glad to hear Jax has extra protection! Thanks for all your service! I’m glad to hear officers now have Narcan, waiting for an ambulance to provide it almost killed my child. Happy and Healthy New Year!