Ethan Flint told his family he wanted cash this year for his birthday.
But it wasn't for him.
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Instead, the fourth grader collected the money and presented a handmade check to the local police department to help pay for bullet-proof vests for K-9 officers.
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.
Ethan presented a homemade check for $1,290 to the St. Paul K-9 unit.
"I think it's outstanding that an 9 -year-old could think of something like that is remarkable," said Sgt. John Linssen, who said a vest can cost about $2600.
"A vest on a human is like a vest on a dog. It covers their body. It protects them from bullets and being stabbed," said Linssen.