Upson Sheriff’s K

The Georgia Police K-9 Foundation has announced that Upson County Sheriff's Office K-9 "Duko" is the latest to receive an Elite Stealth Fighter K-9 vest, medical kit, and Narcan kit valued at $1,500.

The foundation has vested 138 canine officers in the state, according to the release.

"The Stealth Fighter K-9 ballistic vest offers the highest, soft-body armor protection available at a Level 3A," the Elite K-9 website states. "This vest was designed to be worn at all times while on patrol and offer maximum mobility while protecting major vital organs. The side panels, front chest plate, and shoulder straps all have Level 3A ballistic panels in them that will stop all handgun ammo.

"This Mil-Spec K-9 vest has a cool mesh lining on the underside to provide continuous airflow between the dog and the vest, which allows water to escape the vest once the dog comes out of the water," the company's description continues. "The ballistic panels are sealed in a waterproof nylon and are removable so the vest can be easily cleaned. This vest only weighs between 2.5 and 5.5 pounds, depending on size."

Lightweight vests reduce exhaustion and overheating, according to officials, which reduces risk of heat stroke in Georgia, where indexes can reach over 100 degrees in minutes. The medical kit and Narcan kit are available if Duko is injured or exposed to narcotics while on duty.

According to Kyle Briley, founder and president of Georgia Police K-9 Foundation, "Our organization is honored to protect K-9 Duko, with the Upson County Sheriff's Office. It is through generous contributions and support that we are able to make a difference."

Duko, a two-year-old Belgium Malinois, serves and protects the citizens in the Upson area for the mere payment of a reward toy and praise from his handler, according to officials. He loves family time and meeting the people in the community; however, his favorite activity is playing the game at work. The four-legged officer selflessly serves as a narcotics detection, patrol, and tracking canine.

Once a K-9 has retired, the handler will adopt his K-9 partner and "best friend." In the absence of state or local retirement benefits for the K-9s, GPK9F will help provide retirement support (food and medical care) for the retired law enforcement K-9s who have unconditionally served their communities for years.

To become a sponsor, donor, or supporter of the foundation's mission, tax-deductible donations can be made through the website at GPK9F.org or checks can be mailed to: Georgia Police K-9 Foundation, 28 East Main Street, Statesboro, GA 30458. Follow Georgia Police K-9 Foundation on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

Log In

Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd,racist or sexually-oriented language.PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. Don't Threaten. Threats of harming anotherperson will not be tolerated.Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyoneor anything.Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ismthat is degrading to another person.Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link oneach comment to let us know of abusive posts.Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitnessaccounts, the history behind an article.

Sorry, there are no recent results for popular videos.