San Diego, California – After two recent on-the-job injuries involving law enforcement K-9s, the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office is moving quickly to strengthen protections for its canine officers.
The department announced this week that all 17 patrol dogs in its K-9 unit will be outfitted with K9 Storm Ballistic Vests, a significant upgrade from the protective gear previously used by the unit. The rollout comes amid renewed focus on officer safety — including the four-legged kind — following incidents earlier this month that left two K-9s injured while assisting deputies in the field.
According to the sheriff’s office, the new vests have undergone independent testing by the nonprofit Spike’s K9 Fund, which found that the armor can successfully stop bullets without tearing the interior lining. That level of protection marks a clear improvement over older models that were heavier, less flexible, and more difficult for dogs to wear over long periods.
Sgt. Scott Faiferlick, who oversees the department’s K-9 unit, said the difference between the old and new equipment is dramatic. The previous vests weighed about six pounds and were designed as one-size-fits-all, often limiting mobility and comfort for the dogs. By contrast, the new vests weigh just one and a half pounds and are custom-fitted to each animal.
In addition to being bullet-resistant, the new vests are also stab-resistant and designed to reduce heat retention — a critical factor for dogs working long shifts in Southern California conditions. Faiferlick said the improved ventilation and lighter weight mean the dogs can wear the vests for an entire 12½-hour shift, rather than having the gear put on and removed repeatedly throughout the day.
That change is more than a convenience. Keeping the vest on for the duration of a shift ensures K-9s are protected whenever they are deployed, even during unexpected or rapidly evolving situations.
Each vest carries a price tag of $3,900, making the full upgrade a significant investment. The effort was launched with a $30,000 donation from a private donor, covering a large portion of the cost. The San Diego County Honorary Deputy Sheriff’s Association is now fundraising to pay for the remaining vests needed to outfit the entire unit.
For those who work closely with the dogs, the expense is easy to justify. Faiferlick emphasized that K-9s are routinely placed in dangerous situations to protect deputies and the public, whether searching for suspects, tracking missing people, or assisting during arrests.
“Our dogs, our K-9s, are willing to do anything for us,” he said. “We put them in those situations, and they come through for us time and time again.”
The new vests represent not just an equipment upgrade, but a statement about how the department values its canine officers. As law enforcement agencies nationwide reassess safety protocols, San Diego County’s move reflects a growing recognition that K-9s face many of the same risks as their human partners — and deserve comparable protection.
With the rollout underway and fundraising continuing, the sheriff’s office hopes the upgraded armor will reduce injuries and give K-9s a better chance to come home safely after every shift.
