Generous Donor To Buy Bullet-Proof Vest For DeLand PD's K-9 Daro

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DeLand, FL - Daro, the DeLand Police Department's K-9, will be getting a bullet-proof vest thanks to a generous donation. The police department entered Dar, a 4-year-old German Shepherd, into a contest through Facebook in late July. The top three dogs in the contest, hosted by Keeping K-9s in Kevlar, with the most likes would get a bullet-resistant vest. Officials say Daro would have won the contest, but his story resonated with someone who's been helping law enforcement for years. Dr. Caesar Paço, Honorary Consul of Portugal in FL and founder/CEO of Summet Nutritionals International Inc., offered to donate the money needed to buy a vest for Daro, a cost of close to $2,500. He also pledged to buy the department's second K-9, which can cost between $8,000 and $15,000. Paço, who's based in Palm Coast, has donated 42 dogs to police departments throughout the country and abroad, and he's bought bullet-proof vests for many animals. “The DeLand Police Department is extremely grateful for Dr. DePaço’s donations,” said Police Chief Jason Umberger. “Our streets are safer when our officers have the equipment they need to carry out their duties. Dr. DePaço’s gracious donation could one day save Daro’s life and the life of one of our residents.” For a video of Daro and Dr. Paço visiting the DeLand Police Department, click here.

(Photo of Daro and his partner, Officer Richard Cody, courtesy of the DeLand Police Department)

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