Swissvale Council Celebrates K-9 Safety

Swissvale Council Wednesday issued a proclamation honoring Kevlar for K9’s after the nonprofit organization donated a bulletproof vest for Brando, a dog serving in the local force.

Heather Pazak worked in conjunction with the organization to gain the vest for Brando, which is valued at more than $800.

“I just want to thank Heather and the foundation for making this investment in the bulletproof vest for Brando as it will protect him when he is protecting other officers,” said Swissvale Police Officer and K-9 handler Dave Zacchia. “He doesn’t know what he is doing when he goes into these situations and we just want to thank her for that.”

Mayor Deneen Swartzwelder read the proclamation at Swissvale Council’s regular meeting.

“Kevlar helps to protect these brave animals the same way our troops and civilian law enforcement do as they are protected with vests,” she said.

Kevlar for K9’s is a nonprofit organization that creates bulletproof vests for dogs in police departments based in Denver.

Also during the meeting, Swissvale Police Chief Greg Geppert reported that two assault rifles were confiscated during a DUI checkpoint near Edgewood Town Center March 19. Coordinated by and in conjunction with the Edgewood Police Department, Geppert said another checkpoint will occur in the near future.

“That’s exactly why he wanted to do this,” Geppert said of Zappala’s efforts.

In other news, council approved:

• The appointment of Robert Shanahan to the Civil Service Commission for a three-year term.

• The appointment of George Petty to the planning commission for a three-year term.

• The appointment of Mike Pascal to the zoning board for a five-year term.

• The hiring of Sandra Rhoads as a part-time school crossing guard at the hourly rate of $12.50.