Staff Reports
Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department’s newest K9 Szabi has received a bullet- and stab-protective vest as a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.
K9 Szabi’s vest was embroidered with the sentiment “In memory of K9 Diesel End of Watch 11-14-2020.”
K9 Diesel was killed Nov. 14, 2020 while chasing a domestic violence suspect into the woods near I-65. The dog followed a suspect eventually out on to the interstate, where he is believed to have been hit by a vehicle. The suspect was later caught in a ravine near the interstate.
Szabi was acquired to serve with Bartholomew County Sheriff Deputy Dylan Prather earlier this year, with the dog and handler completing training in the summer and now working together for the department.
Szabi is also a Malimois, and is now 2 years old. Originally from Hungary, the dog initially knew the Hungarian language, which was far too complicated for commands so now he responds to commands in Dutch from Prather.
His handler described Szabi as a fun, energetic dog. The two are now working third shift for the sheriff’s department.
Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., established in 2009, is a 501(c)(3) charity whose mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States. This potentially lifesaving body armor for four-legged K9 officers is U.S. made and custom fitted for each dog. Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided over 4,415 vests to K9s in all 50 states at a value of $6.9 million, made possible by both private and corporate donations.
The program is open to U.S. dogs that are at least 20 months old and actively employed and certified with law enforcement or related agencies. K9s with expired vests are also eligible to participate. There are an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s throughout the United States.
