Job Now Safer for Los Gatos Police Dog

the 3-year-old police dog that Los Gatos residents see around town on weekends with handler officer John Alldredge, finally has a protective vest.

The Kiwanis of Los Gatos Builders Club, made up sixth-, seventh- and eighth-graders, raised about $2,000 to help buy the bullet and stab-proof gear last fall, said teacher and club moderator Clare Vickers.

According to Alldredge, the canine officer with thethat's assigned to the dog, the other $600 to purchase the vest came from other funds.

Berko was purchased in early 2010 with funds from the Los Gatos-Monte Sereno Police Foundation, which has always funded the department's canine program, according to

Foundation money also provided all of Berko's training, the chief said.

Since the vest's purchase in September of 2011, Berko has been wearing it during situations that could be dangerous to him, Alldredge said, adding that it covers a majority of his body.

"Berko does not seem to even notice when he is wearing the vest," Alldredge said. "It is completely custom fit to his body and is designed so he can still be agile while wearing it.

"Berko is a great dog. He has a lot of drive and loves to be working. Berko adapts well to new training and performs well above expectations."

Alldredge works with Berko weekend nights, Friday through Sunday.

Anyone interested in supporting the police foundation, can donate by visiting the foundation's website by clicking 

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