A Cumming resident is helping protect two special members of the Forsyth County Sheriff's Office by providing them with stab and bullet protective Vests. The lucky recipients of the vests are Lycan and Edd, and they're members of the K9 unit.
The equipment comes from Vested Interest in K9s Inc., a nonprofit organization, by way of Joe Radack, who has sponsored three similar vests in the past. Once Lycan and Edd get their new gear, all five dogs in the K9 unit—the others are Hummer, Bowi, and Draco—will be protected, according to Sheriff's Department spokesman Epifanio Rodriguez.
Rodriguez notes that dogs working for the department face the same dangers as the human deputies, so they need the same protection.
Since 2009, Vested Interest has provided over 1,700 vests, as well as other assistance, to K9s working in law enforcement and other agencies in 49 states. Each vest is custom made, and the total cost thus far is over $1.6m. Each vest costs about $1,050, and Vested Interests accepts donations.
The vest program is open to K9s working in the United States with law enforcement and similar agencies. The dogs must be at least 20 months old, and certified, and both new graduates and K9s whose vests have expired are eligible.
The department might work with a flyer printing company to create a mailer for residents, letting them know about the vests, and how they will help the dogs perform their role more safely and effectively.
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