Gripple, an employee-owned global manufacturer, in partnership with ASC Equipment Co., sponsored two electronic detection K-9s for Defenders for Children, according to an article in SNIPS News.

The companies’ donation to the organization will aid its efforts to prevent child sexual abuse, trafficking and child pornography, the article noted.

Joel Davis, owner of ASC Equipment Co., told SNIPS News the company partnered with Gripple over three years ago because of their shared values and commitment to giving back. He adds when ASC Equipment Co. had the opportunity to partner with Defenders for Children, Gripple was the company’s first call. Together they explored ways to make a greater impact, he told the media outlet.

According to the article, the companies worked together to donate two electronic detection K-9s, Grip and Gripple. Grip will work in the Cyber Crimes Division and Special Investigations Division at Lake County State's Attorney's Office in Illinois, while Gripple will serve the Criminal Investigation Division of the Summerville Police Department in South Carolina.  

The article noted both dogs trained in Indianapolis and spent weeks bonding with their handlers before returning home. The K-9s are trained to sniff out and detect electronic devices that contain videos and images that can assist law enforcement in locating children in sexual abuse or trafficking cases, the article said.

Grip and Gripple are also trained as therapy dogs for children involved in these cases, the article said.

To date, Defenders for Children has placed 11 dogs, with a goal of placing eight in 2024, the article reported.