Some NC police dogs get bulletproof vests

WINSTON-SALEM -- Police officers count on bulletproof vests every day. Now the dogs of the K-9 unit with the Forsyth County Sheriff's Office have the same protection. Sheriff Bill Schatzman said Wednesday his office has received bulletproof, stab-proof vests for eight of the department's 10 dogs. Schatzman said the dogs detect explosives, drugs and firearms and help catch criminals, and are in harm's way. The Winston-Salem Journal reports none of the sheriff's dogs have been killed in the line of duty. The vests cost $900 each and were donated by Vest NPDP, a nonprofit organization. Deputy Shane Wells says the vests weigh about 5 pounds and don't seem to hamper the dogs' activities. The department is working to raise money to get two more vests. The Winston-Salem Police Department's 10 dogs already have vests. (Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)