Herndon Police Dogs Get Body Armor

HERNDON, VA — The Herndon Police Department's four-legged officers need protection too, and they're about to be outfitted with their own bullet and stab protective vests thanks to a charitable donation.

Non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. is providing K9s Diesel and Jude with the vests thanks to Dennis and Nancy Husch of Herndon, with delivery expected in a few weeks, according to a statement from the Herndon Police Department.

"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 statement notes. "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, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provided over 2,000 protective vests, in 50 states, through private and corporate donations, at a cost of over 1.7 million dollars."

A protective vest for a law enforcement K9 is valued at between $1,795 - $2,234 with a five-year warranty. A $1,050 donation is required to purchase one.

"K9 Diesel works and lives with his handler Officer Stein. Diesel is a purebred German Shepherd, who is trained in patrol, tracking, and narcotics detection," the statement notes. "K9 Jude works and lives with his handler Officer Aftab. Jude is a purebred English Springer Spaniel, who is trained in explosives detection."

Image via Herndon Police Department