Whitman Police Department K-9 Nola to Receive Protective Vest Through Private Donation

Whitman Police Department K-9 Nola, an English Creme Golden Retriever, will receive a bullet- and stab-protective vest through a donation from the nonprofit Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. (Photo Courtesy Whitman Police Department)

WHITMAN — A Whitman police dog is getting suited up thanks to a local nonprofit.

Chief Timothy Hanlon is pleased to announce that Whitman Police Department Comfort Dog Nola will receive a bullet- and stab-protective vest as a charitable donation from the Taunton-based nonprofit Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.

The custom-fitted, 4- to 5-pound vest has a value of $1,800. The vest is made in the U.S. with ballistic panels that are certified by the National Institute of Justice.

Delivery of Nola’s new vest is expected within 10 weeks.

The protective vest for Nola, who has served Whitman Police as a Comfort Dog, is being sponsored specially by Vested Interest in K9s and it will be embroidered with the sentiment, “In memory of Michele ‘Dolly’ Bognanno.”

Since 2009, Vested Interest in K9s has donated over 6,540 ballistic vests to law enforcement K-9s in all 50 states, along with 3,300 K-9 opioid reversal Narcan kits, more than $641,840.58 of K-9 medical insurance premiums and over $186,621 in K-9 medical first aid kits, in addition to many other charitable initiatives made possible through grants and donations.

Nola, an English Creme Golden Retriever born in 2023, serves as the Whitman Police Department’s Comfort Dog and is the eighth member of the Plymouth County Comfort Dog Program. She was acquired and trained by Golden Opportunity for Independence and resides with Sgt. Kevin Harrington and his family.

Nola regularly supports Whitman Police officers, residents, students and community members by providing comfort and emotional support during a variety of situations, including community events, school visits and critical incidents.

“We are very grateful to Vested Interest in K9s for this generous donation and their commitment to protecting working dogs like Nola all across the country,” said Chief Hanlon. “Nola has become an important part of our department and community, and this vest will help ensure her safety as she continues her work supporting residents and officers alike.”

For more information about Vested Interest in K9s, visit www.vik9s.org.

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