Mercy Mt. Shasta Employees Raise Money for Police K9 Protective Vest

Mt. Shasta, Calif. – Mt. Shasta Police Department’s newest four-legged officer received lifesaving body armor, all thanks to the employees at Mercy Medical Center Mt. Shasta. Officer Walter Moore with the Mt. Shasta Police Department recently acquired a new partner, K9 Officer Artie. Mercy Medical Center Mt. Shasta employees learned that Officer Artie was in need of a protective vest and in just a few days an overwhelming number of employees pitched in to help. 

"Without hesitation, staff from all of our departments here at Mercy Mt. Shasta donated money out of their own pockets for the protective vest," said Barbara Clark, Emergency Department Manager. "The Mt. Shasta Police Department serves our community every day. This is just one small act of kindness to show our appreciation and support for K9 Officer Artie and all of those at the police department." 

Officer Artie has search and tracking capabilities and will also assist in arrests. The protective vest is top of the line, and rated for ballistics (bullets) as well as slashing/stabbing (knives).

According to Officer Moore, the department has not had a K9 Officer in 20 years and one-year-old Artie is a great addition to their police force.

“He is very friendly and playful and adjusting well to his new home. Right now he is socializing by visiting schools in the area,” said Officer Moore.

Officer Moore added the K9 program was made possible by generous donations from the community and the Arthur R. Dubs Foundation.

About Dignity Health North State

Mercy Medical Center Redding, St. Elizabeth Community Hospital in Red Bluff, and Mercy Medical Center Mt. Shasta are Dignity Health North State hospitals sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy of Auburn. The hospitals are passionate about patient care, committed to community outreach, advocates for the underserved, and dedicated to delivering quality, affordable health services to those in need.  In 2019, the Dignity Health North State Hospitals cared for more than 90,000 people and provided more than $22 million in community benefit to the region we serve.  The hospitals also offer a broad array of outpatient services and the senior services of Connected Living.  Visit www.mercy.org to learn more.