A $3,800 donation will outfit K9 Kona, a patrol dog with the Union County Sheriff's Office, with a ballistic vest to protect the dog during law enforcement operations across all 21 Union County municipalities, including Summit, New Providence and Berkeley Heights.

Union County Sheriff Peter Corvelli announced the donation Monday, Aug. 24, crediting Dr. Cesar DePaço, a New Jersey-based entrepreneur and philanthropist who has now contributed $14,300 to the K9 unit on Kona's behalf.

DePaço previously donated $10,500 to purchase K9 Kona outright. After months of training and certification, Kona was placed into service earlier this summer. The latest donation came after DePaço visited the sheriff's office canine facility and met the dog.

"His generosity made it possible for us to bring Kona into our agency, and this latest donation will help ensure that Kona is properly protected while serving alongside our officers," Corvelli said.

The K9 unit is based in Summit and provides 24-hour coverage countywide, plus mutual aid to police departments across New Jersey. That means Kona could respond to calls in Summit, New Providence or Berkeley Heights alongside local officers.

Kona is now on patrol.

DePaço, founder and CEO of Summit Nutritionals International, has donated K9s and equipment to law enforcement agencies statewide, including the Somerset County Sheriff's Office. His wife, Deanna Padovani-DePaço, has partnered in those efforts.

The ballistic vest will give Kona added protection during patrol duties and other deployments. Residents who want to learn more about the K9 unit or report information to the Union County Sheriff's Office can call 908-527-4450.