MIAMI – Miami police K-9 officers now have a new line of defense when they're out on the streets with their human partners.
The Miami Police Department displayed its K-9 officers' new protective vests Friday. They are similar to bulletproof vests that their partners wear.
Thanks to the company PetArmor and the nonprofit organization Vested Interest in K9s, the cost of the 12 vests -- $950 each for a total of $11,400 -- are covered.
Officer Marc Redondo told Local 10 News he's been with his K-9 partner, Red, for two years.
"It's good that he has the same safety, you know, for him," Redondo said.
Miami Police Chief Rodolfo Llanes thanked Vested Interest in K9s. He said that the last time a Miami K-9 officer was killed in 2000 vests like these weren't very common.
"Often they are the first ones in and the last ones out," Vested Interest in K9s spokeswoman Lisette Guillen said.
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