San Diego K-9 Deputies Equipped with New Safety Vests

SAN DIEGO - San Diego County Sheriff's K-9 deputies got a potentially lifesaving gift as all 30 dogs were equipped with safety vests, officials announced this week.

The K-9s work hard protecting their deputy partners and performing their duties including tracking suspects and detecting drugs.

"Thanks to the Honorary Deputy Sheriff's Association we were able to buy ballistic vests for all our canine deputies out there," Sheriff Bill Gore said. "They do so much for us put themselves in harm's way to keep our deputies safe, to keep our communities safe."

The Sheriff's K-9 Unit was established in 1967. To become a K-9 Handler, a deputy must have at least two years of patrol experience, according to Sheriff's officials.

"Well the vests are going to be great. That's another layer of protection for the dog," Deputy Bill Dunford said in Sheriff's video.