Like their human counterparts, police dogs need specialized equipment to protect them during violent encounters.

In Tarentum, K-9 Officer Jeremy Belusar is doing what he can to keep the borough’s police dog, Kilo, safe.

The department was awarded a bullet- and stab-protective vest through the nonprofit Vested Interest in K-9s. The body armor is U.S.-made, custom-fitted and National Institute of Justice-certified, meaning it can largely withstand handgun rounds, kicks and knife attacks.

The average cost of a police dog vest is about $1,000, though the cost can climb to $3,000 with customization.

“This is a big help for Kilo and for our department,” Belusar said. “It gives him the protection he needs on higher-risk calls and allows us to deploy him more confidently.”

Delivery is expected within 10 weeks.

Body armor for police dogs has become standard, especially because the the dogs often enter a situation first. They serve in dangerous roles that include apprehending fleeing suspects and detecting explosives.

Their natural instinct to protect their handlers drives them toward danger without hesitation. This year, 22 police dogs were killed in the line of duty — including by gunfire and stabbing — according to the national Officer Down Memorial Page.

There are an estimated 30,000 law enforcement dogs throughout the country.

The Tarentum Police Department added a K-9 to the roster in May. The dog is trained for public safety use as well as investigative tactics that include how to track missing people and suspects, narcotics and building searches.

He also will help boost community engagement and officer protection.

Vested Interest in K-9s has doled out more than 6,200 vests since the group was founded in 2009. The total value has topped $6.9 million, with help from private and corporate donations.

“Kilo plays an important role in keeping our community safe, and this vest helps ensure he comes home safe, too,” Belusar said. “We’re extremely grateful for the donation and the support.”

Copyright ©2025— Trib Total Media, LLC (TribLIVE.com)