OKEECHOBEE - A local woman started a GoFundMe campaign in order to help purchase a bulletproof vest and an emergency K-9 first aid kit for Okeechobee City Police Department's K-9 Officer Luna.

Luna and her partner Jessica Francis are always ready to get the job done.  Luna has been an integral part of multiple drug  related arrests and on her off time has helped with the Shop with a Cop program. She also enjoys visiting the local elementary schools with Francis to teach the children safety measures. 

"There are few dogs who give more than K-9 officers who protect and keep our city safe each night. We protect our human officers with gear to keep them safe while on duty however there really is no protective gear for the sweet K-9s themselves," said Caitlin LaFary, who organized the fundraiser. 

LaFary's ultimate goal is to ensure every K-9 in Okeechobee has the protective equipment they need.  "Our K9officers also deserve our love and respect and I am more than happy to begin this fundraiser to get as many protective measures as possible for them,"  she said. "I cannot thank you enough, even a little given means a lot!"  The fundraiser for Luna's equipment has a goal of $900.

The GoFundMe can be found at https://www.gofundme.com/f/keep-luna-our-k9-officer-safe?member=8395808&rcid=da71841425fb486189f753db132644ae&sharetype=teams&utm_campaign=p_na+share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=customer

Donations can also be dropped off at The Lounge at Sacred Sanctuary, or you can call LaFary directly at 772-252-0957.