Former Boardman police officer Jack Neapolitan is helping to organize a fund-raising event to provides fund to purchase body armor for some 17 police dogs that serve in Mahoning and Trumbull Counties.
      Neapolitan served with the BPD for 23 years and had a canine officer partner named Rookie who was killed during his service when he was struck and killed by an errant driver in 2002 on the grounds of Glenwood Jr. High School.
      Neapolitan retired in 2014 and has never forgotten his canine partner, who now provides him the inspiration to help canine officers.
      On June 21, from noon to 4:00 p.m., a Police K-9 Body Armor Fundraiser will be held at the Penguin City Brewing Co, on East Federal St. in Youngstown.
      The event will include demonstrations by K-9 teams, including drug detection, apprehension, explosive detection and electronics detection. In addition, the Mahoning County Sheriff’s Department drone unit and SWAT truck will be on display.
      Aiding in the effort are two children from Austintown who have held fundraisers for the past three years in memory of their aunt, Amy Kenyon-Bowman.
      “This year the children wanted to help raise money to supply body armor for the 17 dogs who serve in Mahoning and Trumbull Counties. They will be on hand with Aunt Mimi’s Lemonade Stand,” Neapolitan said.
      Funding for two vests has already been received.
      One vest is being donated by Vested Interest In K9s, in honor of Neapolitan’s former partner Rookie. A second vest is being funded by Boardman resident Angelina Tiberio to honor the memory of her dog Mozart.
      “I am hoping this will be more than a fundraiser,” Neapolitan said, adding “It will also be a celebration of local law enforcement talent and provide positive interaction with our community.”