Canine officer outfitted with new body armor

MIDDLETOWN — Middletown Police Department’s K9 Diezel will carry an extra layer of protection after recently receiving a bullet- and stabproof protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from nonprofit organization Vested Interest in K9s.

The vest was sponsored by Sonitrol New England of Rocky Hill, and embroidered with the sentiment: “This gift of protection provided by Sonitrol New England,” according to a press release.

“What better way is there to finish his midnight shift and welcome in the morning than by posing with his new equipment with the Connecticut River in the background,” Officer Aura Smith said in a prepared statement, describing photos of Diezel.

The donation to provide one protective vest for a law enforcement canine is $950. Each vest has a value between $1,744 and $2,283 and a five-year warranty, and an average weight of 4 to 5 pounds, according to the agency.

Vested Interest in K9s was established in 2009 to assist law enforcement agencies with potentially lifesaving body armor for their four-legged K9 officers.

Since then, it has provided over 2,800 protective vests in 50 states through private and corporate donations at a cost of over $2.4 million, according to the company.

For information, call 508-824-6978 or visit vik9s.org.

Middletown police photo Middletown Police Department’s canine officer Diezel recently received a donation of body armor.