Barrington K9 Otto Receives Donated Protective Vest

October 4, 2025

By: Scanner Alerts Media Group

Barrington Police Department’s K9 Otto has received a bullet- and stab-protective vest through a donation from Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., with the vest embroidered “In memory of Carol Crate.”

K9 Otto and Officer Samuel Surawski are a certified Patrol K9 Team trained in apprehension, tracking, and evidence recovery. The team will also pursue certification in narcotics detection beginning this fall.

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., a 501(c)(3) founded in 2009, provides U.S.-made, custom-fitted, NIJ-certified body armor and other assistance to police K9s nationwide. Since inception, the nonprofit has supplied over 6,225 vests valued at $6.9 million to K9s in all 50 states. The program is open to U.S. dogs at least 20 months old who are actively employed and certified; K9s with expired vests are also eligible. There are an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s in the U.S.

The organization accepts tax-deductible donations in any amount. A single $1,050 donation sponsors one vest. Each vest is valued at $1,800, weighs about 4–5 pounds, and carries a five-year warranty. For details: (508) 824-6978; www.vik9s.org; or mail to Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., P.O. Box 9, East Taunton, MA 02718.

Credit: Barrington Police Department