FORT WAYNE, Ind. — One of Indiana’s newest four-legged officers now walks a little safer. K-9 Bandit, a German Shepherd serving with the Indiana State Police Toll Road Post, has received a custom-made bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a donation facilitated by a national nonprofit and a generous couple from New Haven.
The donation, announced Wednesday, was provided by Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., a Massachusetts-based nonprofit dedicated to outfitting law enforcement dogs across the United States with lifesaving gear.
The vest, made in the U.S. and certified by the National Institute of Justice, was sponsored by Kurt and Sherry Riecken, longtime supporters of law enforcement causes in northeast Indiana. Embroidered across the protective vest are the words:
“Born to Love—Trained to Serve—Loyal Always.”
A Hero in Fur
Bandit joined the Indiana State Police earlier this year and quickly formed a close partnership with Trooper Ryan Parent, his handler and partner on the Toll Road beat.
Together, they patrol one of the busiest highway corridors in the Midwest — a stretch of road that sees thousands of travelers, trucks, and traffickers pass through daily. K-9s like Bandit are essential to modern policing strategies, especially in drug interdiction, suspect apprehension, and public safety sweeps.
“Bandit is more than a partner — he’s a frontline officer who faces many of the same dangers as our human troopers,” said Parent. “This vest is more than a piece of equipment. It’s peace of mind.”
An Expanding National Effort
Bandit’s new vest is part of a much broader initiative by Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., which has been supplying police dogs across the U.S. with protective vests since 2009.
-
Over 6,000 vests donated
-
Total value approaching $7 million
-
Coverage in all 50 states
-
Funded entirely by private and corporate donors
These lightweight, custom-fitted vests are designed specifically for K-9 comfort and mobility, allowing full movement while providing defense against bullets, blades, and blunt-force trauma.
“We often forget that these K-9s are putting themselves in harm’s way just like their handlers,” said Sandy Marcal, founder and president of Vested Interest in K9s. “Protecting them is not just compassionate — it’s essential.”
Growing Dangers for Police K-9 Units
Law enforcement officials say protective gear is no longer a luxury for K-9 officers — it’s a necessity. Incidents of police dogs being injured or killed in the line of duty have increased nationwide in recent years.
In 2023 alone:
-
28 K-9s died in the line of duty, according to the Officer Down Memorial Page.
-
Causes ranged from gunfire and stabbings to vehicle accidents and heatstroke during active duty.
-
Some K-9s were fatally wounded while pursuing suspects in armed confrontations.
“These are not isolated incidents,” said Indiana State Police Superintendent Doug Carter. “Our K-9s are exposed to the same violence our troopers face. Equipping them properly is part of our duty.”
Local Support, National Impact
For donors Kurt and Sherry Riecken, the decision to support Bandit’s vest was a personal one.
“We’ve always admired what our local police do — but the bond between a trooper and his K-9 is something really special,” said Sherry. “When we learned we could help protect one of these dogs, we didn’t hesitate.”
Their contribution, though small in monetary terms compared to government spending, fills a critical gap that many departments — especially smaller or rural ones — struggle to cover.
Each vest costs approximately $1,800 and must be replaced every five years to maintain certification standards.
By the Numbers: U.S. Police K-9s
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Estimated total U.S. law enforcement K-9s | ~30,000 |
| Average cost of protective K-9 vest | $1,800 |
| States with vested K-9s via Vested Interest in K9s | 50 |
| Total vests donated by Vested Interest in K9s | 6,000+ |
| Value of donated vests since 2009 | Nearly $7 million |
Looking Ahead
For Trooper Parent and Bandit, the road ahead is long — both literally and figuratively. But with the new vest, the duo is better prepared for the risks that come with serving Indiana’s vital but vulnerable transportation corridors.
“We’re a team,” Parent said. “And like any good team, we’ve got each other’s backs. Now, thanks to this donation, I know someone’s got Bandit’s back too.”
