K-9 officer in Franklin County ready to protect and serve with new bullet, stab proof vest

FRANKLIN Co., Va. (WSET) -- A Franklin County K-9 officer has a new bullet and stab protective vest when she's called out to assignments.

K9 Sasha's vest is sponsored by Don and Misty Fike of Galesburg, IL throughVested Interest in K9s, Inc.The two-year-old German Shepherd will be serving alongside her handlerDeputy Alejandro.

The vest is alsoembroidered with the sentiment “Honoring those who served and sacrificed."

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. is a charity programopen to dogs actively employed in the U.S. with law enforcement or related agencies who are certified and at least 20 months of age. New K9 graduates, as well as K9s with expired vests, are eligible to participate.

Each vest has a value between $1,744 – $2,283 and a five-year warranty, and an average weight of 4-5 lbs.