BCSO receives K9 body armor donation, drone

The Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office has been making improvements in several areas of their force, including the K9 unit and search operations.

Firstly, K9 Hugo received some new gear thanks to the non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.

The donation to the Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office was sponsored by Vested Interest and was embroidered with, “In memory of K9 Hobbs, Des Moines, IA — EOW 12/12/23.” Des Moines Police Department K9 Hobbs died last year following a medical error during a surgery that caused him to become septic. Four-year-old German shepard Hobbs helped the department in felony arrests, drug detection and finding firearms.

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc was established in 2009 as a 501©(3) charity whose mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States. The potentially lifesaving body armor for four-legged officers is U.S. made, custom fitted and National Institute of Justice certified. Since its inception, the company has provided over 5,837 vests to K9s in all 50 states at a value of $6.9 million, made possible by both private and corporate donations.

There are an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s throughout the United States.

In honor of fallen State Patrol Sgt. Jim Smith, Kathy Smith donated $1,475 to the department in April 2024. Funds were used to purchase a small drone capable of indoor searches and can be used to clear confined spaces that need searching in a safe, effective way.

The drone, called “Air 4(62),” will honor Sergeant Smith’s memory and pay homage to Sgt. Smith’s badge number, 462.

“We’re very grateful for Kathy’s donation and to be able to use this as a way to honor Sergeant Smith,” BCSO wrote.