Sheriff's K-9 to get protective vest

Henry County Sheriff’s K-9 Axel will receive a bullet and stab protective vest in the new year. The vest is a donation from a nonprofit organization, Vested Interest in K-9s, Inc.

“I think that it is very important that Axel has a protective vest,” said Scott Bell, Henry County Sheriff’s Deputy and Axel’s handler. “The dogs deserve just as much protection as we do. They are doing the job and it is just as dangerous at times for them as it is for us.”

The Kevlar vest will be embroidered with the sentiment, “Gifted by Kathy” and is custom made to order for Axel.

Since 2009, Vested Interest in K-9s has provided more than 4,450 vest to K-9s in all 50 states at a value of $6.9 million, made possible by both private and corporate donations. There is an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K-9s throughout the United States.

Each vest costs approximately $2,300 to make and weighs an average of 4 to 5 pounds.

“The vest is not used all of the time, it is for more severe situations where we think the chances of him getting shot at or hit are more likely,” said Bell. “I love that fact that he will have a vest. He is responsible for watching my back, and I am responsible for taking care of him, and I want to do that in the best way that I possibly can.”

There are two K-9s within the Henry County Sheriff’s Department. Uno, handled by David Wall, also has a protective ballistic vest.