Did you know that bulletproof canine vests are not automatically issued to police dogs? While enlisting canines in police and military work is quite common, providing them with this lifesaving equipment is shockingly not a part of the departments’ regular budget.
In 2022, 25 K9 officers lost their life in the line of duty in the United States, and 11 of them precisely because of gunfire. K9s are often an essential part of many dangerous police operations, and they definitely deserve to have the same protection as their human partners.
Gabo, a Jonesboro K9 officer, will show you exactly why this is not only important, but absolutely necessary.
K-9 Officer ‘Gabo’ And His Hero Story
“Shots fired at the Gladiolus Apartments. All available units please respond”, the dispatcher’s voice came over the radio. The officer, Erik Johnson, at the Jonesboro Arkansas Police Department, knew he had to respond; however, it wasn’t a simple decision.
This meant that his best friend and K9 companion would also need to get involved. The situation was more than dangerous, but Gabo was the bravest and the most loyal dog there who wouldn’t hesitate to do the job. He was also the only one who had a bulletproof vest at that time.
“I told him I was sorry for what was gonna happen. I told him I loved him”, Erik recalls, unable to hold back his tears.
Gabo was the type of dog who loved to go to work and spend time with his handler… his favorite person in the world, so when officer Erik came to get him, he was just happy.
“He just looked at me with his loving look, and wagged his tail and licked my face. He had no idea what was about to happen to him.”
The woman who had shot her maintenance man barricaded herself in her apartment. Several hours of negotiations brought no results, and the situation was getting more dangerous. The only solution was to bring in a K9. It was time for Gabo.
“I knew in my heart what was going to happen,” said Erik in the video.
They entered the apartment, and Erik gave Gabo the command to search it. Brave Gabo came face to face with the woman.
“That’s when I heard the first shot… Gabo started crying and yelping! I called for him to come back. But, then… he went back after her! And, that’s when the unthinkable happened…”
Gabo was unfortunately shot five times.
Five Horrible Bangs Later
Even though he was badly hurt, this brave boy didn’t stop fighting. His handler had to separate him from the woman and rush him into the hospital.
Four bullets passed right through him, and the fifth one – the one that was going to kill him – never reached his precious body.
“Gabo’s vest saved his life. It stopped a bullet that would’ve punctured Gabo’s heart and lungs had he not been wearing it.”
While Gabo was at the hospital, Erik never left his side. “I just laid there on the floor next to him for hours. Hours.”
No one thought Gabo was going to make it, but he progressed pretty rapidly in the recovery, and was able to return to work full duty. If it hadn’t been for a vest that was donated to him, he wouldn’t have survived, that is for sure.
And, if it weren’t for Sandy Marcal and the Vested Interest in K9s organization, Gabo would never have gotten his life-saving vest.
Vested Interest In K9s
Vested Interest in K9s is the largest nonprofit organization donating custom-made vests that are bullet- and stab-protective. Since 2009, when the organization was founded, they have donated more than 4,970 K9 ballistic vests, and thus, saved many canine lives, including Gabo’s.
Their goal? To vest every K-9 in the U.S.
“These vests are very expensive and difficult for most departments to afford. So having them donated makes a world of difference”, Erik mentions.
Gabo and Johnson were awarded the 2019 Officer of the Year award, and Gabo received a Medal of Valor for his courageous service as well.
Unfortunately, after 7 years of service for the Jonesboro (Arkansas) Police Department, Gabo passed away in 2020.
“Gabo had been my best friend, my family, my partner!” said Erik.