Connecticut Dog in K9 Unit Gets Body Armor

The recently adopted pup, Major, in Connecticut’s K9 unit has received his first piece of body armor. This charitable donation was supplied by Vested Interest in K9s, Incorporated.

It was thanks to the donation by the Reimer and Bevis families in Middletown, CT, that this vest donation was possible.

“I would like to thank the Reimer and Bevis family for providing my partner with this vital piece of equipment,” said Major’s handler, Officer Kyek.

Though K9 units are not often deployed on the field, these police dogs are vital additions to any police task force. Just like their human counterparts, these pups also need protection when they report to often dangerous missions.

More than 3,000 police officers have been saved because of body armor over the course of the last three decades. This is incredibly important for our canine companions to get the same protection when they risk their lives out on the field.

The donation for Major came from Massachusetts charity organization, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. This organization provides vests for dogs in law enforcement built to resist stab wounds and gunshots.

This donation was much appreciated by the CT police. Each police vest for dogs is valued at $1,744 to $2,283. With over 30,000 dogs currently working for the police across the United States, the cost of these vests can add up quickly.

K9 units are a vital asset to law enforcement. These dogs can be trained to identify and detect six different classifications of drugs including heroin, two types of cocaine, marijuana, methamphetamines, and ecstasy. They’re also trained to protect their handlers and track suspects, making them indispensable partners in the field.

These K9 units are typically used when a situation involves the threat of violence. Many police stations rely on community donations to fund their K9 units, just as the CT unit graciously accepted the vest donation.

Major’s handler recognizes the importance of this armor out on the field.

“It is reassuring to know he is now further protected, thank you!” he exclaimed after the donation. The side of the vest reads, “Born to Love — Trained to Serve — Loyal Always” in white embroidery.

The Vested Interest in K9s charity currently supplies bulletproof and stab-proof vests for K9s over 20 months in age that work with police or similar agencies of law enforcement and supply a five-year warranty.