BATH

Sagadahoc County Sheriff’s Department’s four-legged deputy received his own bulletproof vest last week.

Brix — a 3-year-old German shepherd trained in patrol work and narcotics detection — received a vest donated by Vested Interest in K-9s Inc., a nonprofit  based in East Taunton, Mass.

Cpl. Ian Alexander said Brix, originally from Holland, and he have received extensive training and became a team in June 2012.

“Their goal is to make sure that every law enforcement canine in the United States gets a vest,” which cost $950 each, Alexander said.

Since 2009, the organization has provided 431 bullet and stab protective vests for law enforcement dogs throughout the country.

“I hope that this vest never gets tested, but it’s there if needed,” Alexander said. “Brix will train with the vest so he gets use to it.”

Brix is the second police dog to join the sheriff’s department’s canine program.

Alexander was also the handler for Rocko, a German shepherd who retired in 2011 after seven years of service; he’s enjoying retirement at the Alexander residence.

“During Brix’s down time at home he likes to run the yard and play with Rocko,” Alexander said.

When he put the vest on Brix, the dog initially looked a little put-upon, looking behind him to see what was on him, but “within a few minutes it was like nothing was on him,” Alexander said.

The vest should last as long as Brix, hopefully another seven to eight years, Alexander said, adding, “I am glad that Brix has this protection. You just don’t know when you may need it. The dogs work hard and they should have the protection. He is one of the guys.”

Brix will not wear the vest all the time, and it will be up to Alexander to determine when the vest is necessary. “I don’t want to lose my partner,” he said

Vested Interest in K-9s officials said the life of a police dog named Kilo was saved by his police vest, which stopped a bullet during a gun battle in August 2010 in Florida.

Kilo was shot multiple times after locating a suspect who shot at an officer earlier in the night and after clamping down on the suspect with his teeth.

Vested Interest in K-9s, is always looking for donations. Visit www.vik9s.org for more information.

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