Protection for Viper

Pierce County Sheriff's K-9 officer Andy Thoms and K-9 Viper, posing with Veterinarians Heather Fairbairn and Frank During from the Pierce Veterinary Clinic.

Viper, the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department’s K-9, tries out his new protective vest. The Kevlar vest weighs about 10 pounds and is both stab-resistant and bulletproof, said K-9 Officer Andy Thoms. The vest was donated by Pierce Veterinary Clinic. The clinic takes care of Viper, said Dr. Frank During, adding that he wanted to help keep the K-9 safe. Pictured above, left to right, are front: Amanda Hemann, Julie Whipple, Thoms, Viper and During. Back row: Anna Markson, Dr. Jennifer Belz, Missy Kerler, Katie Allyn, Dr. Lisa Hansen, Amy Kurrelmeyer, Dr. Becki Behrendt, Emily Huppert, Dr. Heather Fairbairn, Linda During and Rita Butler. -- Photos by Judy Wiff