Teton K9 Deputy awarded protective vest
Teton County, Idaho Sheriff’s K-9 “Max” has a new bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a Massachusetts based charity called “Vested Interest in K-9’s.”
Max began his tour of duty with Deputy Tyson Gunderson this summer.
Funding for Max’s vest was paid for by a fundraiser hosted by Alaska K9 Center at North Pole, Alaska. It is embroidered with the sentiment, “In memory of K9 Helo, Alaska State Trooper.”
The non-profit was established in 2009 to assist law enforcement agencies with body armor for their K9 officers. Since then, Vested Interest in K9’s provided over 2,600 protective vests in 50 states at a cost of over $2.1 million.
Each vest has a value of between $1,744 and $2,283, with a 5-year warranty. The average weight is 4-5 pounds.
Deputy Gunderson, has remarked “Max is a great K9 partner,” said Deputy Gunderson. “He is always ready to work and his temperament makes him great to be around the family while he is home.”
According to the Sheriff’s Office, Max quickly became the most popular deputy in the office.
Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provides information, lists events, and accepts tax-deductible donations of any denomination at P.O. Box 9 East Taunton, MA 02718. You can learn more about the charity here.
