An upstanding member of society is getting a special equipment upgrade in Arizona. The Sheriff’s Office of Pima County is rewarding a special officer with a bullet proof vest to help in his daily duties. This officer just happens to be a K9 unit with the Pima County Sherriff’s department and is receiving his new vest from a non-profit organization.

Rico is new in joining the force, as he just completed his training earlier this year, so this vest will be a welcome addition to his daily duties. The handsome four-year-old dog who helps protect the community, will works as a narcotics and patrol unit. The vest he will be receiving will protect him from bullets and close combat wounds in his line of duty.

K9 units are especially important to the officers they work with, as they help protect them from dangerous criminals that might otherwise harm the officers. The K9 units act as a second line of defense for the officers when they are put in dangerous situations, but it can be extremely unsafe for the dogs as well.

Vests like the one that is being donated to Rico can help save a K9 unit’s life in extenuating circumstances that they might encounter while out on patrol. Vested Interest in K9s Inc. is donating 62 vests to K9 units around the country just like the one Rico will get. Donations that go to this non-profit organization help fund the vests. We can rest easily knowing Rico and other K9 units are protected by these vests while they serve our community.

Unfortunately, the vests are not cheap. Costing between $1,800 and $2,200 for each one to be properly made to be able to protect their special officers. K9 units like Rico are not only important assets to the community, they are beloved by their handlers and help protect their lives.