Illinois State Police District 5 K9, Chief, has received a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from nonprofit organization Vested Interest in K9s Inc.

Chief’s vest is sponsored by the Protecting K9 Heroes Fundraiser hosted by Staci Goveia of Lynwood and embroidered with the sentiment “In memory of K9 Jethro, Canton, OH - EOW 1/10/2016.”

Trooper James Kirr and K-9, Chief, have been partners in the Illinois State Police for a little over two years and currently patrol Will, Grundy and Kendall counties in Illinois.

Trooper Kirr and Chief completed a ten-week certification course in Springfield and graduated in May 2015. He is a dual-purpose dog and is trained in narcotics detection, article searches, tracking and apprehensions. Chief is a three-year-old German shepherd/Belgium Malinois mix and loves going to work.

For information about Vested Interest in K9s Inc., a 501c (3) charity, call 508-824-6978 or visit www.vik9s.org