K-9 Chief gets protection

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake’s first K-9 officer will be a little bit safer out in the field thanks to a donation that will supply the four-legged officer with body armor.

MLPD Chief Kevin Fuhr says K-9 Chief received a bullet- and stab-protective vest from the non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. The vest was sponsored by Newcastle resident Shana Greene and is embroidered with the words “Born to Love – Trained to Serve – Loyal Always.”

Vested Interest is a non-profit organization that has a mission to provide bullet- and stab-protective vests and other assistance to police dogs across the country. Since the organization was established in 2009, Vested Interest has given more than 3,100 protective vests, valued at $5.7 million, to law enforcement dogs in every state via private and corporate donations.

The donation to the MLPD for Chief’s vest totaled $950. The vests vary in price between $1,744 and $2,283, coming with a five-year warranty and weighing on average between four and five pounds. Vested Interest is no stranger to local agencies, as the non-profit has donated vests to the Grant County Sheriff’s Office’s K-9s as well.

“The Moses Lake Police Department would like to thank Vested Interest for their generous donation. The vest will be used by K9 Chief during high-risk situations to keep him protected from edged weapons and firearms,” Fuhr said. “The outpouring of support for the department’s K9 program has been overwhelming and the Moses Lake Police Department would like to thank all citizens, businesses and partners, such as Vested Interest, for their continued support.”

Currently Chief is the only K-9 at the MLPD, but thanks in large part to 9-year-old Kenna Morrison, who raised over $20,000 for the MLPD K-9 Program, the department is hoping to add an additional K-9 in the coming year.