Connecticut Steps Up to Protect Its Police K9s With New Safety Vests

According to the CT State Police, a few very good dogs are about to get some very serious upgrades — the kind that could literally save their lives.

K9s Ghost, Kane, and Viper are all set to receive brand-new bullet- and stab-resistant vests thanks to donations coordinated through the nonprofit Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. These aren’t generic, off-the-rack pieces of gear either. Each vest is custom-fit, made in the U.S., and certified to meet national safety standards. Basically, this is top-tier protection for dogs who already put themselves in harm’s way without hesitation.

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What makes this even better is the personal touch behind each vest. Ghost’s vest is being sponsored by the Connecticut State Police Credit Union and will be embroidered to reflect that support. Kane’s vest comes courtesy of Campanale & Sons, with a message that perfectly sums up the job: born to love, trained to serve, loyal always. Viper’s vest carries a memorial dedication honoring TFC Aaron Pelletier and K9 Roso — a reminder that this gear exists because the job is very real and the risks are too.

The vests are expected to arrive within about ten weeks, and once they do, these dogs will be heading back out into the field a little safer than before.

Vested Interest in K9s has been doing this work since 2009, and the numbers are wild — thousands of vests, millions of dollars, and K9s protected in every single state. Considering there are roughly 30,000 law enforcement K9s nationwide, the need isn’t going anywhere.

Read More: Connecticut K-9 Honored by Troopers After Arrest 

Bottom line: these dogs don’t hesitate when it’s time to work. Making sure they’re protected is the least we can do. If you want to learn more about the organization, check out upcoming events, or make a donation, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has all the details on their website. They also accept contributions by mail for anyone who prefers to do things the old-school way.