Boy donates birthday money to police for K-9 bulletproof vests

SAINT PAUL, Minn. -- A 9-year old boy in Minnesota spent his birthday giving gifts, instead of getting them.

Ethan Flint told his family he wanted cash this year for his birthday - but it wasn't for him.

Instead, the fourth-grader collected the money and presented a check for $1,290 to the local police department to help pay for bulletproof vests for K-9 units.

He was inspired by his love for dogs.

The St. Paul Police K-9 Foundation is working to provide each dog with a custom-fit vest.

"I think it's outstanding that an 9-year-old could think of something like that is remarkable," said Sgt. John Linssen. "A vest on a human is like a vest on a dog. It covers their body. It protects them from bullets and being stabbed."

Linssen said a vest can cost approximately $2,600.