Oklahoma Highway Patrol K9 Officer 'Dak' Receives New Body Armor

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol’s K9 Dak has received a bullet and stab protective vest after a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. 

Dak’s vest was embroidered with the sentiment “In memory of K9 Rocco Pittsburgh Bureau of Police," according to the OHP.

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. is a 501c (3) charity located in East Taunton, Massachusetts, whose mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States. 

The program is open to dogs actively employed in the U.S. with law enforcement or related agencies who are certified and at least 20 months of age. New K9 graduates, as well as K9s with expired vests, are eligible to participate.

"Dak is one of our youngest and newest additions to the OHP’s canine corps and already making a significant impact in the fight against drug trafficking and criminal activity," said OHP Lt. Lambert. "Trooper Fish and K-9 Dak have made some outstanding felony arrests and we once again thank Vested Interest In K-9’s, Inc. for their dedication in providing police canines with ballistic protection."

The donation to provide one protective vest for a law enforcement K9 is $1,050. Each vest has a value between $1,795 to $2,234 and a five-year warranty, and an average weight of 4-5 lbs. 

There are an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s in the United States.