“Storm” suits up with Manchester Township Police

Storm protection dominates conversation at the shore since Superstorm Sandy. This is "Storm" protection of a different, but just as vital, kind. Storm, the newest recruit in the Manchester Township Police K-9 squad, now has a bullet- and stab-proof vest. And, as it happens, just in the nick of time.

The first day the body armor was activated, one day after it arrived, Storm and his partner, Patrolman Marc Micciulla, found themselves tracking a knife-wielding suspect, officials said.

A donaton by the Massachusetts nonprofit Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., enabled the acquisition.The vest bears the embroidered legend, "In Memory of K-9 Rocco Pittsburgh Bureau of Police," commemorating a furry comrade that died in the line of duty.

"The generous donation of the vest by the Vested Interest in K9's organization, will help to ensure K-9 Storm's safety as he serves and protects the residents, visitors and police officers of Manchester Township," Police Chief Lisa Parker said.

Police said the organization has supplied around 1,600 protective vests to K-9 teams in 49 states since it formed in 2009, at a cost of about $1,500,000. The vests are manufactured in Michigan by the Armor Express company.

Dogs in law enforcement or related agencies in the U.S., at least 19 months of age and certified, are eligible to receive the outerwear, as are new K-9 graduates and those with expired vests.

Each vest carries a five year warranty and is estimated in value between $1,795 and $2,234, police said. The suggested donation for one protective vest for a K-9 dog is $1,050.

The nonprofit agency has information about body armor and events, and accepts tax-deductible donations at its web site. Mail can be sent to Vested Interest in K9s, P.O. Box 9, East Taunton, MA 02718