Local citizen donates funds for K-9 bulletproof vest.

March 6, 2018

Oceana County Sheriff Craig Mast, Fran Kyncl, her granddaughter Miranda, Sgt. Cam Hanson and Krieger.

Local citizen donates funds for K-9 bulletproof vest.

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HART — Thanks to local citizen Fran Kyncl, the Oceana County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Krieger has an extra layer of protection.

“With the generous help of Ms. Fran Kyncl of Hart, the Oceana County Sheriff’s Office was able to purchase a protective vest for K-9 Krieger. Krieger is our new K-9 funded by the citizens and businesses of Oceana County,” said Sheriff Craig Mast.

“Ms. Kyncl approached us last summer and told us that this was something she wanted to do. The vest was purchased from Pro-Tech for $862 and is sized specifically for Krieger. The vest is bulletproof and stab resistant and is another great tool to keep him safe if he needs to be deployed in a known hostile situation.”

“This vest won’t be worn by Krieger at all times as officers do, but he will wear it in situations where his handler knows he is sending him into a potential threat.”

“We are so very grateful to Ms. Kyncl for her willingness to provide such a valuable piece of protective equipment for our K-9. We have had many other citizens donate to the K-9 Fund which also helped make this a reality. Our K-9 program is completely funded by donations, and we are grateful for all of the support the community continues to show.

“We have all seen in the media recently police K-9’s being injured and killed by people committing crimes. Just like any family who has pets in their home, Krieger has become a part of our family, and we want to take care of him just like we would any other family member. If we can add a layer of protection for Krieger, we’re going to do that.”

Kyncl said she made the donation in honor of her late father, Joe Kyncl, who was a Hart High School graduate and served as a firefighter for several years.

“If he saves one child or elderly person, it’s done its purpose,” she said of the K-9 officer. His handler, Sgt. Cam Hanson, said Krieger has already located a missing 15-year-old since he began duties just a few months ago.

“He’s good for the community, and he needs to be safe,” Kyncl said.

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