Dressed to the K-9s
Chambers County Sheriff's Office Deputy Lunsford waits with Sigma before showing a demonstration at the CCSO Citizens Academy.
Chambers County Sheriff’s Office. Chambers County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Counts kneels proudly with K-9 Blitz.
The Chambers County Sheriff's Office received donations of two durable vests for K-9 deputies Blitz and Sigma, helping the dogs to stay safe while they serve residents in the county.
CCSO is the recipient of two bullet and stab protective vests for their K-9s Blitz and Sigma, donated by non-profit Vested Interest in K-9s, Inc.
“The K-9 protective vests have become more and more important because law enforcement across the nation is utilizing canines more so that we can protect the lives of our officers in those hazardous situations,” Sheriff Brian Hawthorne said. “And we want to be able to do our best to protect the life of the dog.”
Blitz's vest will be embroidered with "In memory of Aaron Gafford," sponsored by Jamie Shallcross of Houston. Sigma's vest will be embroidered with "This gift of protection provided by Neptune," sponsored by R. Neil Wolford of Hagerstown, Maryland.
The body armor is made in the U.S., custom-fitted and certified by the National Institute of Justice. The armor weighs about four to five pounds and has a five-year warranty.
Hawthorne said history has shown that criminals take their aggression out on the animals.
“The human life is important, but we also believe the K-9 life is important,” Hawthorne said.
Vested Interest was established in 2009 with the mission to provide assistance to dogs in law enforcement and related agencies throughout the U.S. Since its inception, the non-profit has provided about 6,030 vests, worth about $6.9 million, to K-9s across the country.
The program is available to dogs at least 20 months old and actively employed and certified with law enforcement agencies.
While one donation of $1,050 will sponsor one vest, the non-profit accepts donations of any amount.
Their efforts are made possible by private and corporate donations. To learn more about the organization, events, or to donate, visit www.vik9s.org. For questions, contact the organization at 508-824-6978. Donations can also be mailed to P.O. Box 9, East Taunton, Massachusetts, 02718.