The City of Hilliard Division of Police’s newest K9 has another layer of protection thanks to a recent donation from OhioHealth veterans.
On Veterans Day, the healthcare organization’s Veterans Business Resource Group (BRG) hosted a special breakfast to celebrate veteran and active-duty military associates.
During the event, keynote speaker Maj. Gen. Deborah Ashenhurst, Ohio Department of Veteran Affairs director, presented a ballistic vest to K9 Griff and his handler, Officer Matt Braden – a U.S. Marine Corps veteran himself.
Griff, a 3-year-old German shepherd, joined the City of Hilliard Division of Police last year. Griff is one of three Hilliard police K9s and the department’s only German shepherd.
“K9 Griff plays an important role in our policing work, specifically in our work to combat drug trafficking,” said Chief of Police Michael Woods. “We’re grateful to OhioHealth for helping to ensure he is safer doing this work.”
Like all agency dogs, K9 Griff is considered a “dual purpose” dog, meaning he is trained in criminal apprehension, tracking, article searches and narcotic detection.
The unit is often called upon by other law enforcement agencies throughout Ohio for assistance. When off-duty, K9 Griff lives at home with Officer Braden and his family.
