Golf tournament held to benefit Massachusetts Vest-A-Dog

AGAWAM, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) – Local law enforcement and supporters gathered for the first Massachusetts Vest-A-Dog Memorial Fundraiser Golf Tournament held Monday at Crestview Country Club in Agawam. The event honored Frankie, the first K-9 in Mass. State Police history to be killed in the line of duty on July 26, 2022. He also became the first K-9 to receive emergency care under Nero’s Law, which was created after Yarmouth Police K-9 Nero was injured in 2018.

“You know, I’m passionate about dogs. I love police dogs, and I think people don’t realize how effective dogs are in law enforcement,” says David Shilale, president of Massachusetts Vest-A-Dog.

All proceeds from the event will support the Massachusetts Vest-A-Dog general fund. Shilale told Western Mass News that Vest-A-Dog provides basic training and safety equipment for K-9 law enforcement teams across the state. He added that these dogs aren’t the only furry friends on the force.

“These are not just for the bad guys, they are also used to track down missing people, find evidence for criminals, drugs, explosives and of course for the bad guys, to find the bad guys hiding somewhere,” Shilale explained.

He said the tournament was a great way to honor K-9 Frankie and support the incredible work that K-9 dogs and their handlers do every day.

“These trainers spend 24/7 with these dogs and that partnership is incredible, so it’s something we value and want to support in any way we can,” Shilale said.

Founded in 2000, the nonprofit organization Massachusetts Vest-A-Dog has provided more than 700 bulletproof vests and basic training equipment to law enforcement agencies across the state, and Shilale said the local fundraiser in Agawam will contribute to that success.

“They are an incredible resource and the relationship and bond I have seen throughout my years at Mass. Vest-A-Dog is unmatched,” Shilale said.