12 Minnesota K9 officers, including one in Stearns County, will be fitted with new ballistic vests thanks to an annual benefit in St. Paul.

CaJah Salon hosted their annual benefit for Vested Interest in K9s Incorporated on September 27. After raising over $11,500, deputy bloodhounds across the state will receive new vests.

Among those dogs, Deputy Freddie, a bloodhound with the Stearns County Sheriff’s Office will be outfitted with a new bullet and stab proof vest. Freddie, who specializes in finding lost people or suspects, has been with the department for a little over a year.

Vested Interests in K9s, Incorporated, is a charity designed to provide protection to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies. Each vest can cost about $950 and has a five year warranty. Since its establishment in 2009 Vested Interests has provided 1,125 law enforcement dogs in 40 states with protective vests.