Annapolis Police K9s Receive Body Armor

Annapolis, MD — Three Annapolis Police Department K9 dogs have received bullet and stab-protective vests thanks to a donation from the non-profit organization.

Vests for police dogs Ciro, Peko and Atos were sponsored by David Marberger of Bay Ridge Wines and Spirits in Annapolis.

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. is an East Taunton, MA, charity that provides protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies nationwide, according to a news release.

The three Annapolis canine teams that received the vests are:

• K9 CIRO: A 3-year-old German shepherd, who is certified in patrol services and narcotics detection. He is assigned to Corporal Kevin Freeman, who has been with the Annapolis Police Department since April of 2000.
• K9 PEKO: A 3-year-old German shepherd/malinois mixed breed. He is partnered with Sergeant Chris Tucker of the Annapolis Police Department and is certified in explosive detection and patrol duties. 
• K9 ATOS: A 3-year-old German shepherd/malinois mixed breed. He is partnered with Officer Josh Ingbretson of the Annapolis Police Department and is certified in drug detection and patrol duties.

Since 2009, the non-profit has given more than 1,700 protective vests, in 49 states, through private and corporate donations, at a cost of over $1.6 million. The donation to provide one protective vest for a law enforcement K9 is $1,050. Each vest has a value between $1,795 and $2,234 and weighs 4 to 5 pounds.

»Photos courtesy of Annapolis Police Department