Chandler police K9 to receive protective bullet and stab vest

PHOENIX — A Chandler police officer will be getting a new uniform piece.

Benzo, a four-year-old Belgian Malinois K9, will receive a bullet and stab protective vest embroidered with the phrase “Honoring those who served and sacrificed.”

The vest will be provided by Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. Since 2009, the nonprofit organization has provided more than 3,100 protective vests at a value of $5.7 million dollars to assist police dogs.

Each vest is valued between $1,795 and $2,234 and weighs 4-5 pounds.

Benzo serves with patrol functions and narcotics protection.

The vest is scheduled to arrive in the next eight to ten weeks.

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