Two more four-footed law enforcement officers in Columbus County are now equipped with body armor and trauma kits, thanks to donations through the Columbus County Humane Society.
Chadbourn’s Malinois Vito and the Sheriff’s Office German Shepherd Zena were presented with vests and specialized individual first aid kits (IFAK) Tuesday at the Chadbourn Railroad Museum. Vito’s handler is Everett Lewis of the CPD, and Zena is partnered with Matthew Morales of the Sheriff’s Office.
In March, the Humane Society equipped six dogs with the sheriff’s office with vests and IFAKs. The society raised additional funds for the other two dogs. Outfitting a law enforcement K9 costs around $900.
Nationally, seven K9s were killed or seriously injured in the line of duty last year. Three have been killed in contact with suspects so far in 2026. Dozens more sustained minor injuries. Police dogs are frequently stabbed, cut or clubbed due to being in close contact with criminal suspects during apprehensions. K9 vests are designed to protect the animal from knives as well as bullets.
Photos courtesy Anna Clewis Kennedy and Town of Chadbourn
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