DeKalb County sheriff’s K9 outfitted with protective vest after donation

The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office K9 Maverick will soon be outfitted with some new gear to help him do his job safely.

According to a news release from the sheriff’s office, Maverick will receive a bullet and stab protective vest because of a donation from Vested Interest in K9s Inc., a national nonprofit that outfits law enforcement dogs throughout the country with protective gear.

Maverick’s donation is courtesy of Geraldine O’Shannon of Niantic, Connecticut, and will be embroidered with the message ‘In memory of Babe Muskian,’ according to the release.

Maverick can expect his vest in about 10 weeks. Maverick will work with Deputy Gosnell of the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office.

Vested Interest was established in 2009. Since then, the organization has provided more than 4,481 vests to K9s in all 50 states at a value of $6.9 million, through private and public donations, according to the release.

The program is open to dogs who are at least 20 months old and actively employed and certified with a law enforcement or related agencies. K9s with expired vests also are eligible. There are an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s throughout the U.S., according to the news release.

For information on Vested Interest or to learn about volunteer opportunities, call 508-824-6978. For information about donations, visit www.vik9s.org or mail a contribution to P.O. Box 9, East Taunton, MA 02718.