Officers Jacob Varnell and Rocco; Mike Harris and Max; and Tyler McGuire and Aries
Cleveland's three canine officers need protective vests and Mayor Tom Rowland is asking the public to help.
Mayor Rowland said during Monday's City Council budget workshop that he will start the fund with a personal donation. Checks can be made to the City of Cleveland and brought to the Municipal Building or mailed to the City of Cleveland, 190 Church St., P.O. Box 1519, Cleveland, Tn., 37364-1519.
The fund is called the Kathy Kinder Fund, in memory of a member of the city's Animal Control Board.
"Kathy was a long time advocate for animals and the protection of our canine officers," Mayor Rowland said.
Cleveland Police Chief Mark Gibson said the vests should be stab proof as well as bullet proof.
Many canine officers are lost from stab wounds, he said. Each vest would cost about $1,200 Chief Gibson told the Council.