BUILT FOR COPS, BY A COP
IIn the world of law enforcement, the safety and efficiency of K9 units are paramount. With over 40 years of experience in the field, Gary Kirtley, CEO and Owner of Owens Products in Sturgis, MI, has a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by officers when transporting these invaluable canine partners. His firsthand experience and dedication to improving K9 operations have driven the development of specialized containment solutions that ensure the well-being and effectiveness of both K9 officers and their human counterparts.
First Hand Experience
With over 40 years of experience in Law Enforcement, Gary Kirtley, CEO and Owner of Owens Products in Sturgis, MI, understands the unique challenges faced by officers when transporting K9 units. Drawing from his extensive background, he identified the need for specialized containment solutions that ensure the safety and comfort of both K9 officers and their human partners.
Pictured: Gary Kirtley during his itme as a law enforcement officer.
“I went into the city every night and worked with our K-9’s. These assets are extremely valuable for tracking suspects, finding missing children, or protecting our officers. When I purchased Owens Products, I did so with the vision of building crates that protect these animals and maintain reliability in the field. These working dogs typically live with their handlers and their families when not on duty. I want to do my small part to keep them safe and comfortable.” -Gary Kirtley, CEO & Owner of Owens Products, Inc.
Critical Needs
K9 officers play a crucial role in law enforcement by tracking suspects, locating missing persons, and protecting officers. To perform these tasks effectively, they require secure and comfortable containment solutions. These solutions must be durable, reliable, and designed to withstand the demands of police work. Additionally, they should enhance the safety of human officers and provide flexibility for various operational needs. Proper containment ensures that K9 officers remain healthy, stress-free, and ready for duty, whether they are in transit, on the job, or at rest.
How He Addressed the Issues
Kirtley's firsthand experience led to the creation of a product line tailored to the specific demands of police work. These K9 units offer numerous benefits to law enforcement agencies, providing a secure and comfortable environment for K9 officers. The inserts are designed to withstand the rigorous demands of police work, ensuring durability and reliability. Tactical crates are built to be secure and versatile, while collapsible crates offer flexibility and ease of transport, addressing the diverse needs of law enforcement agencies. Kennels, originally designed for Border Patrol, provide a safe and comfortable resting environment for K9 officers.
Continuous Improvement and Innovation
Here at Owens Products, we work continuously with law enforcement and government agencies to improve and innovate our designs. By addressing critical needs and incorporating feedback from the field, we have developed products that significantly improve the efficiency and safety of K9 operations, tactical equipment transport, and the use of collapsible crates. These innovations ultimately enhance the overall effectiveness of government, law enforcement, and boarder patrol efforts.
Owens Products is dedicated to providing high-quality K9 containment solutions that ensure the safety, comfort, and effectiveness of both K9 officers and their handlers. We understand the critical roles they play and are committed to helping them perform their duties seamlessly.