Indiana State Police K9 receives new body armor

INDIANAPOLIS — An Indiana State Police K9 has received a brand-new bullet and stab protective vest following a donation made by a non-profit organization.

According to an ISP release, K9 Duke will be suited up with a new vest courtesy of the non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. The vest will be put to good use when Duke assists his K9 partner Walter Butt, who is a senior trooper in ISP’s Indianapolis District.

ISP said the 501(c)(3) provides law enforcement agencies with vests that protect K9s around the country from injuries caused by bullets and stab wounds. Since its inception in 2009, the nonprofit has provided nearly 6,000 vests to K9s in every state at an estimated value of $6.9 million.

K9s must be at least 20 months old and an active member of a law enforcement agency to be eligible for a donation, ISP said.

Each vest is worth around $1,800 and weighs between four and five pounds.

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