K-9 deputy receives vest donation

A four-legged Sweetwater County Sheriff's Office deputy is sporting some new protective gear thanks to a kind donation.

K-9 deputy Deena was awarded a bullet and stab-protective vest by Vested Interest in K9s Inc., a non-profit organization specializing in providing protective gear and assistance to dogs of law enforcement.

According to a release from the sheriff's office, the vest, normally pricing $1,744-$2,283, was the result of a donation of $960 made by sponsor, Mark Riccardi of Monument, Colorado. Vested Interest accepts tax-deductible contributions in any amount, although a donation of $960 will sponsor a single vest. A vest weighs an average of four to five pounds and comes with a five-year warranty.

Jason Mower, public affairs officer for the sheriff's office, said Deena is one of four K-9 officers employed at the office. She is a three-year-old Belgian Malinois, who has served for two years as a drug detection and patrol dog. Jara, a K-9 co-worker of Deena, was the first to receive the vest grant in Sweetwater County, with Deena following as the second. Mower said K-9 officers face threats in the line of work, just as human officers do.

As a drug and patrol dog, Deena could be exposed people under the influence of mind-altering substances, who might be more willing to harm a dog than an officer.

He also said serious cases such as this are the reason having K-9 ballistics vests are so important to K-9 officers as well as their handlers. K-9 officers share a special connection with their handlers and are treated and respected as fellow officers.

When a handler retires, through a contract drafted by the sheriff's office, they can pay a small fee to retire the K-9 officer as well. if that happens, the dog would live with the handler as a pet after retirement.