LOCKPORT, Ill. (WLS) -- An Illinois State Police District 5 K-9 officer named Chief will be much safer during his patrols now.
Chief received a bullet- and stab-protective vest, thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.
[Ads /]
Chief's vest is sponsored by the Protecting K9 Heroes Fundraiser hosted by Staci Goveia of Lynwood, IL and embroidered with the sentiment "In memory of K9 Jethro, Canton, OH - EOW 1/10/2016".
Trooper James Kirr and his dog Chief have been partners in the Illinois State Police for a little over two years and currently patrol Will, Grundy and Kendall counties. Trooper Kirr and Chief completed a ten-week certification course in Springfield and graduated in May of 2015. Chief is a dual purpose dog and is trained in narcotics detection, article searches, tracking and apprehensions. Chief is a 3-year-old German Shepherd/Belgium Malinois mix and loves going to work with Dad each day.
[Ads /]
Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. is a 501c (3) charity located in East Taunton, Mass., 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.
(Ill. State Police)