Officer K9 Haxo of Butler Community College’s Department of Public Safety has received a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from the non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.
Haxo is Butler’s first K-9 officer. The German Shepherd joined Butler’s police squad in April 2020 and has spent his time learning the job as he patrols Butler’s grounds with Lt. Tim Harder.
Vested Interest in K9's mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies. Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided over 4,101 vests to K9s in all 50 states at a value of $6.9 million, made possible by both private and corporate donations.
K9 Haxo’s vest was embroidered with the sentiment “In memory of K9 Gabo, Jonesboro, AR EOW 1/16/20.” A bullet and stab protective vest saved Gabo's life in 2018. Gabo passed away in January after battling an illness.