Monroe County Sheriff’s Office receives new donation for K9 unit - WGEM

Add Us On Google Add as a preferred source on Google PARIS, Mo. (WGEM) - The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office recently announced a new donation for its newest member of the force and a start in its newest division, its K9 unit. Monroe County Sheriff Joe Colston said that the department has had Bolt in training and on rides, preparing him and the handler for the new partnership, and takes the safety of all their officers seriously. “We’ve had other equipment, but this is the first bullet and stab resistant vest, and obviously, we take all of our deputies’ safety seriously, even our four-legged ones,” Colston said. K9 Bolt has received a new custom-fit stab and bullet protective vest from a non-profit organization, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. The vest, which has a singular value of $1,800, can be sponsored for $1,050 through the organization. Each vest is National Institute of Justice certified and is stitched with a special message on each vest from the donator ensuring the new four-legged deputy is protected to serve with purpose and pride. K9 Bolt’s vest was embroidered with the message, “In memory of Kenneth and Louise Garne.” Monroe County Sheriff Joe Colston added that with a smaller budget, receiving donations and grants like these are great opportunities for the department. Copyright 2026 WGEM. All rights reserved.