MANSFIELD — K9 Maxx has a vested interest in protecting Mansfield residents.
Now the Mansfield Police Department canine will soon have his own vest to wear while on the job.
The non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has donated a bullet- and stab-proof vest the German Shepherd can wear while on patrol with his handler, MPD officer Dylan Stephenson.
News of the donation was announced at City Council’s meeting on Tuesday evening.
The organization is a a 501c(3) non-profit whose mission is to provide bullet and stab-protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the country.
It has donated more than 6,225 K9 ballistic vests since 2009, according to its website, valued at $6.9 million in all 50 states, made possible by private and corporate donations.
The vest for Maxx, expected to arrive within 10 weeks, means both of the department’s current canines will have the body armor.
Mansfield police Chief Jason Bammann said Wednesday morning K9 officers often go into harm’s way. There are an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s working around the country.
“We lean on these dogs to take the place of human beings,” Bammann said. “We send them into houses where we know there are bad guys and where some horrible things can happen.
“This vital piece of equipment enhances Maxx’s safety as he serves our community with dedication and courage. We are deeply appreciative of the organization’s continued commitment to supporting law enforcement K9 teams across the country.”
Bammann also thanked the community for its support of the department’s K9 program.
“Your encouragement, engagement and generosity directly contribute to the safety, training and well-being of our K9 partners,” the chief said.
Stephenson was hired by the MPD in 2021 and Maxx joined the department in the summer of 2024. The K-9 is a dual-purpose dog, trained in patrol duties and narcotics/article searches.
The Vested Interest in K9s Inc. program is open to U.S. dogs at least 20 months old who are actively employed and certified with law enforcement or related agencies. K9s with expired vests are also eligible to be selected.
Each vest has a value of $1,800, weighs an average of four to five pounds and comes with a five-year warranty.
Those interested in donating to Vested Interest in K9s Inc. can do so through the organization’s website.