Marion K-9 officer getting new ballistic vest

MARION - A woman in Minnesota is giving the Marion Police Department's K-9 officer a bullet- and stab-protective vest to protect him while he's on patrol.

Kain, a 3-year-old Belgian Malinois, will receive the vest from Vested Interest in K9s, a national nonprofit that donates the custom-fit body armor to police departments with K-9 officers.

The new vest is sponsored by Megan Coe of North Saint Paul and will be embroidered with 'In memory of Jaime L. Petersen,” Marion police said.

The vest is expected to arrive in eight to 10 weeks.

Since its inception in 2009, Vested Interest in K9s has provided more than 4,000 vests to K9s in all 50 states at a value of $6.9 million, made possible by both private and corporate donations.

The program is open to U.S. dogs that are at least 20 months old and employed and certified with law enforcement or related agencies.

An estimated 30,000 K-9 officers are working in the United States.

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