Meet Kelly Davis

Nominated by Sally Davis.

Eighteen-year-old Kelly Davis of West Bath is a hero to police dogs in Maine. Six years ago, she founded a nonprofit organization, Maine Vest-a-Dog (MeVAD), whose mission is to provide bulletproof vests to Maine police dogs. To date, MeVAD has raised $50,000 and vested 56 K-9s. In addition, Kelly has spoken to many civic organizations and hundreds of school children about the importance of police dogs. In her words, "Police dogs don't choose their lives, so they deserve to be protected." Kelly had to overcome adversity when she learned that her program violated Maine law. In 2001, the law prohibited anyone from fundraising to benefit police departments. Kelly felt the law had unintended consequences and needed to be changed. For example, it was illegal for a community to sponsor a benefit dance for a sick police officer, and illegal for a person to ask neighbors to donate food or baked items to help feed officers during a community crisis. Kelly worked with her state senator to submit legislation and testified at the statehouse to support and pass a new law that allows nonprofit groups to raise funds to benefit law enforcement. Many community policing efforts and D.A.R.E program activities are now legal because of Kelly's efforts. With dedication and perseverance, Kelly Davis is making a difference in the state of Maine.