Union County Sheriff's K-9 Unit

Congratulations to Officer Schulz and K9 Jackal on this well deserved recognition.

Union County Sheriff’s Office K9 Jackal (pictured here with handler Officer Dominick Schulz) will receive a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. K9 Jackal’s vest is sponsored by Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. and will be embroidered with the sentiment “In memory of LCPL. Leon B. Deraps USMC Semper Fi”. Delivery is expected within eight to ten weeks.

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., established in 2009, is a 501(c)(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. This potentially lifesaving body armor for four-legged K9 officers is U.S. made, custom fitted, and NIJ certified. Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided over 5,289 vests to K9s in all 50 states at a value of $6.9 million, made possible by both private and corporate donations.

The program is open to U.S. dogs that are at least 20 months old and actively employed and certified with law enforcement or related agencies. K9s with expired vests are also eligible to participate. There are an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s throughout the United States.

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. accepts tax-deductible contributions in any amount. For more information on how to donate, or to learn about volunteer opportunities, please call 508-824-6978 or visit www.vik9s.org.

The Union County Sheriff’s K9 Unit is saddened to announce the passing of retired K9 Sam on June 5, 2023. K9 Sam was born in the Netherlands on April 7, 2014, and began his career with the Union County Sheriff’s Office on March 17, 2016. He was dual trained in patrol work and narcotics detection. K9 Sam retired from the Sheriff’s Office in July 2020. We want to offer our condolences to Sergeant Current for her loss.