Sauk Rapids Police Pup Receives Protective Vest

(KNSI) — Just days after it was announced Sartell’s K9 officer was getting one, the Sauk Rapids Police Department’s K9 Bolt is also getting a bullet and stab resistant vest.

The same company that donated the vest to K9 Echo, Vested Interest in K9s, is outfitting Bolt, too. Bolt’s vest will be embroidered with the sentiment, “In memory of K9 Hobbs, Des Moines, IA – EOW 12/12/23”. Delivery is expected within eight to ten weeks.

K9 Bolt and handler Officer Jared Timm started patrolling the streets in November after training together for 12 weeks. They are certified in narcotics and apprehension. Police Chief Perry Beise told KNSI News Bolt will also be trained to search for evidence that might be thrown from a fleeing suspect, adding a K9 team is essential for law enforcement. “When there is certain dangerous situations, it would be more advantageous to send Bolt in instead of an officer into a building to search; that’s what he’s for. If we’re looking for narcotics, there’s almost nothing better than a dog that can detect that for you and tell you that they’re there.”

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. was established in 2009 and set out on a mission to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the country. Vests are custom fit, and made in the U.S. Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided over 5,707 vests to K9s in all 50 states at a value of $6.9 million, made possible by both private and corporate donations.

Each vest has a value of $1,800.00.

___