A service of blessing for local K9 officers and their K9 partners will take place on June 25 at 11 a.m. at the United Methodist Church, 103 Monmouth Road, Oakhurst.
Following this service, there will be skill demonstrations of the officers and their dogs, with a luncheon following shortly after.
The church will ask for donations from those who attend for Vested Interest in K9s, a 501c(3) non-profit whose mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of Law Enforcement and related agencies throughout the country.
According toe a press release from the church, the K9 units are trained to perform work that human officers are unable to do, such as narcotics and bomb detection. These dogs often face dangerous situations while protecting their human handlers.
On Sept.10, the church plans to hold a “Blessing of the Badges” to honor and bless all first responders.
For more information visit www.oakhurst.umcchurches.org or call (732) 531-1150.