LITCHFIELD — A State Police dog is now safer on the job, thanks to a bullet-resistant vest donated by a charity group.
The 2-year-old German shepherd named Tobi recently received the vest from Vested Interest in K9s, a nonprofit group based in Taunton, Massachusetts. The protective equipment was made possible by donations collected by Stacy’s Pet Porium, a pet food and supply store in Litchfield.
Trooper Bruce Lachance has been Tobi’s handler since September 2015. They work out of Troop L in Litchfield. The dog is trained in all patrol functions, including tracking, building searches, evidence recovery and apprehension.
Vested Interest in K9s has provided more than 2,000 protective vests for dogs across the country since 2009. A $1,050 contribution allows the group to donate one vest.
