Georgia Southern University Police Department’s K-9 to get body armor

October 19, 2017

In the coming weeks when Deimos, Georgia Southern University Police Department’s Dutch Shepherd K-9, sniffs around Hanner Fieldhouse or searches through Allen E. Paulson Stadium, he’ll be clad with a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from the nonprofit organization Vested Interest in K9s Inc.

The vest, sponsored by an anonymous donation to the organization, will be embroidered with the sentiment “In memory of K-9 Addi,” in honor of the donor’s fallen K-9.

Deimos, the first canine on Georgia Southern’s Police force, primarily works with Officer Erk McCurdy, who has worked as a K-9 handler for more than 15 years. Deimos is trained to detect more than 15 kinds of dangerous or illegal scents, and he is on-call for every major University event, guest speaker and athletic game.

“Deimos can track scents and find things in moments that would take a crew of men to find,” said McCurdy. “He’s a star on the team and a companion at home. He loves being with his sister, Enyo, at home, and being on duty at work.”

Deimos is truly part of the Eagle Nation family, and his protection is a top priority for his fellow law enforcers. Each protective K-9 vest requires a donation of $950, a sum that McCurdy says most departments simply can’t afford on their own.

“You never know when something may happen where the vest may come in handy,” said McCurdy. “We’re so thankful for this donation so that we may keep Deimos safe and part of our team for the long run.”

For more information on the Vested Interest program at Georgia Southern, contact Officer McCurdy at (912) 478-5234.

About Vested Interest in K9s Inc.
Vested Interest in K9s Inc. is a 501c (3) charity located in East Taunton, Massachusetts, 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. The nonprofit was established in 2009 to assist law enforcement agencies with this potentially life saving body armor for their four-legged K-9 officers. Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s Inc. has provided more than 2,600 protective vests, in all 50 states, through private and corporate donations, at a cost of over 2.1 million dollars.

Georgia Southern University, a public Carnegie Doctoral/Research University founded in 1906, offers 118 degree programs serving 20,673 students. Through eight colleges, the University offers bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs built on more than a century of academic achievement. Georgia Southern is recognized for its student-centered and hands-on approach to education. Visit GeorgiaSouthern.edu.