Coat of armor donated to Warwick's Viking

By Nathanael Demoranville
Posted 5/17/16

A coat of armor was recently donated to Warwick's resident Viking, a K-9 in the Police Department. The German shepherd is receiving a bullet and stab protective vest from a non-profit organization, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.

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Coat of armor donated to Warwick's Viking

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A coat of armor was recently donated to Warwick’s resident Viking, a K-9 in the Police Department.

The German shepherd is receiving a bullet and stab protective vest from a non-profit organization, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. Sponsored by Warwick resident Charles R. Scott Jr., the durable nylon vest is expected to be delivered within eight to 10 weeks.

Viking is paired with Officer Aaron Steere. The dog’s current vest is an older model, bulky and uncomfortable. So much so that Steere says he would often “just stand still during training exercises.” With a vest replacement not due for another year, this new fitted vest is welcome.

Lt. Michael Gilbert said the vest would be used as part of any “high threat situations, especially cases of deadly force.” From narcotic detection to building searches, this vest is needed to protect Viking essentially on a daily basis, Gilbert said.

Officer Steere said, “Just like a police officer, their safety is critical.” Here, he refers to both Viking and the other K-9, Fox, whose current vest is not in need of a replacement.

The vest also serves to help Officer Steere. The leash is 30 feet long, which puts both of them in danger. It is long enough, however, for Viking to sometimes get ahead, out of Steere’s sightline and out of his protection, making the vest incredibly important.

Steere and Viking are also part of the SWAT team. Steere estimates that they get “6-12 calls a year,” but points out that Viking is “first in and last out.” It is highly dangerous, and the vest is crucial to getting the job done.

The cost for this 4-5-pound vest was $1,050, including a five-year warranty. For perspective, a human vest often ranges from $500 to upwards of $1,000 with an average cost hovering around $750.

Relatively, they aren’t that expensive, and Steere was looking for an early replacement considering the fit issues with the current vest. Coincidentally, just as he was filing paperwork to request the vest, Charles Scott walked into the police station looking to donate to the K-9 Unit.

Scott, a recent million-dollar lottery winner, has a history of helping animals at the Warwick Animal Shelter. According to a release from the police department, the vest will be embroidered with the sentiment, “A gift of protection donated by Charles R. Scott, Jr.” as thanks for his cost-covering donation.

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