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MCSO K-9 deputies to receive protective vests

Posted at 4:29 PM, Dec 01, 2015
and last updated 2015-12-01 18:29:25-05

Maricopa County Sheriff's Office Canines 'Hero' and 'Zeus' and five other dogs will receive a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.

MCSO says Hero and Zeus' vests will be embroidered with "In memory of K9 Rocco, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police."

Rocco was killed protecting his handler and another officer. The officers entered a darkened room when a suspect swung a knife wounding both officers. Rocco attacked the suspect but was stabbed in the back, puncturing his kidney and spine.

He died two days later.

Each vest is valued between $1,800 - $2,200 and weighs about 4-5 lbs.

There are an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K-9s in the United States.