Washington County receives K-9 armor donation

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office said it received a bullet and stab protective vest last week, donated by a nonprofit group.

“This potentially lifesaving body armor for four-legged K-9 officers is U.S. made, custom-fitted, and certified by the National Institute of Justice,” a news release from the Sheriff’s Office said.

The news release said the body armor was given to a K-9 named Dzamal, handled by Patrol Deputy Nolan Burke.

Burke said he was thankful for the potentially lifesaving equipment for his four-legged companion, one of three K-9s in the county, two of which operate under the Sheriff’s Department.

“We’re happy to have a vest for him, it’s not something he would wear every day, it’s not practical for that,” Burke said. “It’s more something you would use for a high-risk situation, we’d take the time beforehand to get it on him.”

The armor was donated by Vested Interest in K9s, a national nonprofit that has donated over 4,300 of the vests since its creation in 2009. While the typical price range for a K-9 vest falls between $1,700 and $2,300, the nonprofit can acquire the equipment for around $960 apiece, according to the news release.

Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com