County K9 receives vest

Mambo, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office’s drug dog, has been working with the department since October 2020, but now he will really look the part after receiving a donation of body armor.

Mambo received a bullet- and stab-protective vest courtesy of Vested Interest in K9s.

“We are really happy to have something for him to help keep him safe,” said Franklin County Sheriff Shannon Oliver.

The vest was sponsored by Jeff Trainor from Charlton, Mass., and is embroidered with the statement “This gift of protection provided by Jeff Trainor.”

K9 Deputy Billy Burks said Mambo is a full-fledged member of the sheriff’s department, so he is happy to see his canine counterpart have protection.

“He is my partner, and I want my partner to be safe,” Burks said. “He is in contact with some stuff more than we are, so it means a lot to know we have stuff to help keep him safe.”

Burks said he and the department applied to have a vest for Mambo and received it in early May.

The sheriff’s department has had vests for K9s in the past, but none of the existing vests fit Mambo because of his smaller size.

Vested Interest in K9s is open to dogs 20 months or older who are actively employed with law enforcement agencies, according to their press release.

Canines receive custom-made vests that are NIJ certified.

Vested Interest in K9s accepts tax-deductible contributions in any amount; a single donation of $960 will sponsor one vest. Each vest has a value of $1,744-$2,283, weighs an average of 4-5 pounds and comes with a five-year warranty.