FORSYTH COUNTY, GA — A Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office K-9 is getting added protection thanks to support from a nonprofit organization and a local donor.

K-9 Guinness will receive a specialized bullet- and stab-resistant vest through a partnership between the nonprofit Vested Interest in K-9s and a citizen in Cumming who made a one-time donation.

The vest costs nearly $1,800 and is designed to help protect the four-legged deputy while assisting with law enforcement operations in Forsyth County.

Vested Interest in K-9s has provided more than 6,500 vests to police dogs across the country, including several in Georgia.

Among the Georgia K-9s that have received vests through the program are K-9 Bear with the Cedartown Police Department and police dogs in Savannah.

Officials say the new vest will provide Guinness with additional protection as he continues serving alongside Forsyth County deputies.