WARREN, Ohio - Trumbull County K-9 units, Lord and Lincoln, have received bullet and stab-proof vests thanks to a charitable donation from a non-profit organization, Vested Interest in K9s Inc.

The vests were embroidered with the sentiments "in memory of Officer Jason Lagore and K9 Ranger, ODNR."

Trumbull County Sheriff Paul Monroe tells 21 News that these vests aren't cheap, costing between $1,700 to $2,200 apiece. 

"They're custom made for the dog. They're not interchangeable. They come out, they fit the dog just like they do our deputies, and it does give them an added degree of protection," Monroe said.

Trumbull Action Group (TAG) Drug Task Force Commander, Captain Mike Yannucci, tells 21 News that these K9 officers are just as important as human officers and should have the same protection they do.

"The dogs are part of the family. They're one of us. I'd hate to see anything happen to those dogs. Those dogs are one of my men as far as I'm concerned," Yannucci said.

Vested Interest In K9s Inc. was established in 2009 to provide bullet and stab-proof vests and other assistance for dogs of law enforcement and related agencies across the country.

Since its inception, the organization has provided over 4,740 vests to K9s in all 50 states, valued at $6.9 million.

The program is open to dogs 20 months old and over who are actively employed with law enforcement or related agencies. K9s with expired vests are also able to participate.