EFFINGHAM — The Florence County Sheriff’s Office canine unit got some much-needed protection Friday.
Thanks to a generous donation, each of the six canine officers now have ballistic-resistant vests.
Friends Bingo of Florence donated the money to purchase the vests, which came at a cost of about $1,300 a piece, representing a total investment of about $7,800.
The vests are manufactured by Armor Express and are flexible Level II ballistic vests that are resistant to bullets, stabs and shanks.
Blue Line Public Safety arranged a substantial dealer discount from Armor Express for the vests, and Mirage Promotions provided screen printing for the vests.
Those working with the canines said the dogs provide help in all kinds of situations from apprehending a suspect to locating narcotics and other contraband.
They also say the dogs often face the brunt of an angry suspect’s force.
“If we’re tracking someone and they’re an armed individual, the dogs are out in front, they’re right in front of us, so they’re gonna be the first target that the bad guy’s gonna go for, so this is an unbelievable gift,” Florence County Sheriff’s Canine Handler Tracey Tolson said.
Florence County Sheriff Kenney Boone also acknowledged the role that the canines play in many operations.
“We are grateful to Buffy Tompkins, Page Soles and Ray Burgess at Friends Bingo for the generous donation of these vests for our valuable K-9 assets,” he said in a press release. “Friends Bingo has a proud history of support for law enforcement, and we greatly appreciate this donation.”
The Florence County Sheriff’s Office’s six canine officers include German shepherds, Dutch shepherds and Belgian Malinois deputies.
Rebecca J. Ducker/Morning News
Kathleen Ard (left) and Brooke Soles, both with Friends Bingo, spend a few minutes petting "Kim," a Dutch sheppard, as the dog shows off her new bullet proof cover during a press conference at the Florence County Sheriff's office Friday. Friends Bingo raised more than $7,000 for 6 ballistic canine vests which are made by Armor Express and are ballistic, stab, and shank resistant.
FCSO Contributed photo
K-9 deputy Harley, partner of investigator Gary Lewis, shows the armor covers the dogs top and bottom.
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