Bismarck canine officer getting $1,050 protective vest

BISMARCK N.D. (AP) - The Bismarck Police Department’s canine officer is getting a protective vest.

Bismarck resident Diana Trussell is sponsoring the bullet- and stab-protective vest for four-legged officer Bala through the Massachusetts-based nonprofit Vested Interest in K9s.

Bala is a 2 ½-year-old female Belgian Malinois trained in narcotics detection and patrol work. She’ll get her vest in 8-10 weeks.

Vested Interest in K9s has provided more than 1,900 law enforcement dogs in 49 states with protective vests since 2009. They cost $1,050 apiece.