Emmet County Sheriff's Office receives body armor donation for new K

EMMET COUNTY — Divot, the new K-9 for the Emmet County Sheriff's Office, will receive a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from nonprofit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.

Divot's vest is sponsored by a fundraiser hosted by Lisa Mullins of Calle's Determination and will be embroidered with the sentiment "Gifted by Calle's Determination Book." Delivery is expected within 8-10 weeks.

Deputy Tyler Midyett received Divot, a a two-year-old German shepherd, from Poland in September 2022. They were certified in narcotics, tracking and apprehension following a five-week course at Mid-Michigan K9 in Flint.

More:Emmet County Sheriff's Office welcomes new K-9 unit

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., established in 2009, is a charity whose mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the U.S. According to the sheriff's office, this potentially lifesaving body armor for four-legged K-9 officers is U.S. made, custom fitted and NIJ certified. Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided over 4,948 vests to K-9s in all 50 states at a value of $6.9 million, made possible by both private and corporate donations.

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The program is open to U.S. dogs that are at least 20 months old and actively employed and certified with law enforcement or related agencies. K-9s with expired vests are also eligible to participate. There are an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K-9s throughout the U.S.

For more information, visit www.vik9s.org.