TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (Rickey Stokes News)
The Tuscaloosa Police Department K9 Unit is receiving new bulletproof and stab-proof vests thanks to a donation from Vested Interest in K9s Inc., a national nonprofit dedicated to protecting law-enforcement K9s.
Tuscaloosa Police currently have five K9s — Baki, Leo, Meri, Nailz, and Thomas — who assist officers in detecting narcotics, explosive materials, and apprehending dangerous suspects.
K9 handler Zac Aldridge said the added protection provides peace of mind for handlers who routinely send their partners into high-risk situations.
“Our department has put a lot of effort into our vest and our protection, and to be afforded the same for him is just a massive relief,” Aldridge said.
Aldridge’s K9, Baki, specializes in apprehension work, meaning he is often deployed to track and subdue some of Tuscaloosa’s most dangerous suspects.
“There is a certain degree of concern — where’s my buddy at, what’s he doing, is he okay?” Aldridge added.
According to Sgt. John Busby, the K9 apprehension program resumed in 2020. Until now, K9s entering homes or assisting in fugitive apprehensions had no ballistic protection.
“The biggest benefit is knowing that whatever we send the dog into, he’ll come out,” Busby said. “Having that extra protection is huge.”
Each vest is both bullet-resistant and stab-resistant and is valued at nearly $2,000.
Since its founding in 2009, Vested Interest in K9s Inc. has donated more than 6,200 protective vests to police K9 units across the country. The nonprofit relies entirely on donations to continue its mission of keeping working K9s safe.
TO DONATE PLEASE CLICK LINK: Donate » Vested Interest in K9s
