JACKSONVILLE, N.C. — After having his previous vest for five years, Brinks, a dog working for the Jacksonville Police Department received a new vest in September through donation from an organization called Vested Interest in K-9's. 

What You Need To Know

  • Vested Interest in K-9's is a non-profit organization providing vests, first aid kids, insurance, and more to k-9's in all 50 states.

  • A ballistic and stab resistant vest is vital for the day to day duties of any police K-9.

  • The cost for Brinks' vest was fully funded by Vested Interest in K-9's.


“We typically use them for a building search or apprehension work, so that way it provides him some extra protection while he's searching a building or being used in an apprehension if needed,” says Officer Kevin Puwalski.

Brinks isn't alone when it comes to receiving a vest from the Vested Interest in K-9's organization. According their website, they have donated more than 4,100 K-9 vests since 2009.

The one provided to Brinks was fully funded using no money from the city's budget or taxpayers.

“We were able to save our community and our city around $2,400 per vest. This is the second vest our agency has gotten this year so that's a savings of over $4,800,” Paulawski states

The new vest covers Brinks' vital organs without restricting any of his movement. Officer Pulawski is grateful his partner has new PPE, and he looks forward to many more years working beside his best friend.