VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – The Virginia Beach Sheriff’s Office K-9s were fitted for protective vests Thursday afternoon.
The vests, valued at around $1,200 each, are being donated by the Atlantic K-9 Vest Fund. The fund was founded after the fatal shooting of Norfolk Police K-9 Krijger. Krijger was not wearing a protective vest.
The K-9 Unit includes K-9 Candy and K-9 Roxie and their handlers, Deputy Jeff Lam and Deputy Aaron Whitehead.
A typical work day for K-9 Candy and K-9 Roxie includes daily searches of the Virginia Beach Courthouse and Correctional Center.
The Sheriff’s Office received K-9 Candy through a grant. She was trained in narcotics detection by Deputy Lam with the help of the Norfolk Police Department.
During the first six months of 2015, K-9 Candy and Deputy Lam helped seize nearly 60 pounds of drugs worth nearly $277,000.
K-9 Roxie, also 4, is trained in explosives and firearms detection. She was donated to the Sheriff’s Office by the U.S. Navy. During the first six months of 2015, Roxie performed 175 operational searches.
“These dogs are not only a valuable law enforcement asset, they are also a part of our family,” said Sheriff Ken Stolle. “Much like our deputies, they put themselves in harm’s way every day to help make Virginia Beach a safer place and they deserve every protection we can
give them. These vests will provide that extra layer of protection and we are truly grateful to the Atlantic K-9 Vest Fund for their generous donation and for their work every day to protect our four-legged law enforcement partners.”
The Atlantic K-9 Vest Fund is accepting donations and applications. Visit atlantick9vestfund.org for more information.
