Nonnewaug High School senior Jason Suess developed his MBLE project two years ago to help Connecticut organizations outfit police dogs with protection vests.

"I have been around police K9s my whole life and I realized that a lot of the state public safety departments do not have funding for vests for the K9 team dogs," Suess said. "I wanted to try to raise as much money as I could."

Through a Penny Wars fundraising effort in school along with selling t-shirts and hoodies, Jason raised $368. These funds were matched by the Hometown Foundation, a local charitable organization that supports a broad range of programs that meet community needs. The $668 will go toward a vest for one dog with funds being supplemented by the national organization Brady's K-9 Fund.

This week, Jason hosted a meet and greet for students and staff to learn about the protective vests with K9 CT Department of Corrections Officer Kristen Brousseau and Comfort Dog Semper Fi. A representative from the Hometown Foundation was there to present Jason with a check for the matching funds. WFSB’s Renee DiNino was also on hand to broadcast the event for her Amazing K9 Duos segment.

Suess, who spent time as a police explorer in Naugatuck, said his plans after high school include the military and a law enforcement career.