A few months ago, Max was a puppy just getting acquainted to police work and going through training alongside his handler, Brick Police Ptl. Keith Prendeville. Now, he's on the job with the Brick Township Police Department, and thanks to a donation, has some extra protection to help stay safe.

In a brief ceremony held Monday in the council chambers of the Brick Municipal Complex, the owner of a local dog training company presented protective vests to the handlers of two police K-9 dogs in honor of Lakewood Police Officer Christopher Matlosz, who died in the line of duty Jan. 14 after he was shot by a man he stopped to speak with on a township street.

Peter Campione, owner of Kindred Soul Canine Center in Howell, said Matlosz was a student at his dog training business and, along with his fiance, Kelly Walsifer, had adopted two dogs from the Jersey Shore Animal Shelter, which Campione volunteers with. After Matlosz died, Campione founded the Chris Matlosz K-9 Officer Memorial Fund with the goal of raising money to purchase protective vests for local K-9 dogs, which cost about $1,000 each.

Most of the donations came from students at Kindred Soul, according to Campione.

Along with Max, another K-9 named Matlosz, received a vest. That K-9, named for the fallen officer, works with Officer Chris Whalen of the Tinton Falls Police Department, who was one of Matlosz's close friends.

Organizers of the fund have raised nearly $8,000 so far, according to Patricia Wallace of the Jersey Shore Animal Center, and are planning on purchasing additional vests for K-9 dogs serving with the Toms River Police Department.

Each of the vests, which are manufactured by International Armour, are inscribed in gold letters, with: "In Memoriam: Patrol Officer Chris Matlosz, Lakewood Police Dept. Badge #317 – 'Let This K-9 Officer Carry on the Spirit of Strength and Courage.'"

Walsifer, Matlosz's fiance, as well as members of his family, were on hand for the ceremony, which also included Brick Police Chief Nils R. Bergquist and several of Matlosz's friends.

Campione also credited Point Pleasant Beach Police Sgt. Joseph Michigan for his direct assistance in purchasing the vests.

Max was back on duty shortly after receiving his vest Monday. According to Brick Police Capt. John Rein, Prendeville and Max were among those officers who responded to a report of a large fight at a condominium complex late Monday afternoon.