Troop C Police Dog Gets New Vest

TOLLAND, CT — Connecticut State Police dog Rocky has received a bullet- and stab-protective vest, thanks to a charitable donation from the non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.

The vest is embroidered with the sentiment “This gift of protection provided by Protect a Hero.”
Rocky’s vest is sponsored by a fundraiser hosted by Kim Dance of Harwinton.

Rocky is assigned to Trooper First Class Ryan Cloukey at Troop C in Tolland. Rocky is a 3-year-old German Shepherd who graduated with the 173rd Patrol Dog Class on May 28, 2015.

He is certified in all aspects of patrol including tracking, evidence recovery, handler protection, criminal apprehension and obedience.

Rocky is also assigned to support State Police Tactical Unit operations.

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. is a 501c (3) charity located in East Taunton, MA., whose mission is to
provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies
throughout the United States. The nonprofit was established in 2009 to assist law enforcement agencies with
this potentially lifesaving body armor for their canine partners.

Through private and corporate donations, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., has provided more than 2,700 protective vests in all 50 states at a cost of more than $2.3 million. All vests are custom made in the USA by Armor Express in Central Lake, MI.

The program is open to dogs actively employed in the U.S. with law enforcement or related agencies
who are certified and at least 20 months of age. New K9 graduates, as well as K9s with expired vests, are
eligible to participate.

Photo Credit: CSP