Person of the Week

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Story Published: May 2, 2008 at 6:55 PM EDT

Story Updated: May 2, 2008 at 6:59 PM EDT

By Heather DuBose

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Two very special members of the Buffalo Police Department will now be safer out on the streets, thanks a Cheektowaga woman who has a soft spot for animals.
Joan Lewandowski received special honors from the Buffalo Police Department Wednesday, for helping out man's best friend.
After hearing that the BPD added two new dogs to its K-9 unit, Lewandowski decided to help out the four-legged friends by buying two bullet-proof vests for them to wear.
"I feel that every time an officer leaves his home his life is on the line, and so is his partner. And these officers have their partners and they happen to be dogs," said Lewandowski.
Lewandowski did not solicit donations. Instead she used $1,200 of her own, hard-earned money to purchase the vests.
"For her to take her money and purchase these vests for the protection of these dogs is just a wonderful gesture," said Buffalo Police Commissioner, H. McCarthy Gipson.
Lewandowski says, "I am an animal lover, and I am very, very proud of this police department. And they have these dogs, and I know everything is going to work out well for them."
That's why Joan Lewandowski is Channel 7's Person of the Week.

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