K9 Freddie with Stearns County Getting New Protective Vest

ST. CLOUD - Over $11,500 has been raised to protect Minnesota police dogs with bullet and stab protective vests, including K9 Freddie with the Stearns County Sheriff's Office.

An annual benefit for "Vested Interest in K9s Incorporated" in September raised money to outfit 12 Minnesota Police Dogs with bullet and stab protective vests.

Freddie has been with the Stearns County Sheriff's Office for one year and specializes in tracking lost people or suspects. Freddie will receive a vest valued at $950.

Since 2009, Vested Interest in K9s incorporated has provided over 1125 law enforcement dogs with protective vests at a cost of $1,068,750.