Protective Vest for Harrison Police Dog

Harrison Police Department’s K9 Axel has received a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.

The vest was sponsored by an anonymous donor.

Axel, a purebred Shepherd from Germany, has been with the department for about a year.

“He’s the newest K9 to join the ranks,” said Police Chief Anthony Marraccini. “We’re fortunate to have an impressive K9 and a dedicated handler, Officer Patrick Barbero.”

Axel joins Beni, the Harrison K9 handled by Officer Erin Hinchy, in the department’s K9 division.

There are an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s in the United States.

The non-profit was established in 2009 to assist law enforcement agencies with this potentially lifesaving body armor for their four-legged K9 officers. Since its inception, it has provided over 1,600 protective vests, in 49 states, through private and corporate donations, at a cost of more than $1.5 million.

The program is open to dogs actively employed in the U.S. with law enforcement or related agencies who are certified and at least 19 months of age. New K9 graduates, as well as K9s with expired vests, are eligible to participate.

The suggested donation to provide one protective vest for law enforcement K9 is $1,050. Each vest has a value between $1,795 – $2,234 and a five-year warranty, and an average weight of 4-5 lbs. All vests are custom made in the USA by Armor Express in Central Lake, MI.

For more information or to learn about volunteer opportunities, please call 508-824-6978. Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provides information, lists events, and accepts tax-deductible donations of any denomination at www.vik9s.org or mailed to P.O. Box 9 East Taunton, MA 02718.