Eight dogs from the State Police canine team recently received new protective vests thanks to donations from a Massachusetts charity and a national chain of pet supply stores. The vests, which are bullet and stab proof will help protect the dogs as they work with their Trooper partners around Maine. The vests cost $950 each, according to a press release.

The State Police canine teams receiving the vests are: Trooper Chris Smith and his dog Winger, who patrol in Washington and Hancock counties; Trooper Rick Moody and Foster from Troop C in Skowhegan; Trooper Kevin Rooney and Howie from Troop A in York County; Trooper Shawn Porter and Myka from Troop D in Augusta; Trooper Adam Fillebrown and Aros from Troop B in Gray; Trooper Eric Verhille and Clint from Troop D in Augusta; Trooper Matthew Williams and Landy from Troop A in York County; Sgt. Chad Fuller and Gleni from Troop F in Aroostook Count.y

Additional Photos

Ready for work: Winger , a 2 ½ year old Belgian Malinois, wears his new protective vest. Winger patrols in Washington and Hancock counties with Trooper Christopher Smith. Contributed photo

The vests were donated by Vested Interest in K9s Inc, a charity from East Taunton, Mass., which has provided vests to over 400 police dogs around the country. The Petco Foundation is a major contributor to the charity, with money raised from fund raising events at the company’s 1,200 stores. Another contributor to the effort was a former New York police officer, now living in Sorrento. Madeleine Hamersley, 83, donated funding to equip a number of dogs around the country, including Winger, who patrols near her home.

State Police Sgt. Blaine Bronson, who runs the department’s canine training program, said all of the State Police’s 18 patrol dogs are equipped with protective vests. Bronson said the new vests have gone to patrol dogs recently trained, or veteran dogs whose previous vests have worn out. The Troopers and their dogs annually respond to about 1,200 calls.

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