An Arizona K-9 is one of the stars of a national calendar dedicated to dogs making a difference in communities through their work with law enforcement.

Kato, a friendly, beautiful 5-year-old Belgian Malinois, has been with the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office for three years. Kato is certified in patrol duties and narcotics detection, and he is partnered with Deputy Charles Moreland.

Nearly two years ago, Kato and four of his fellow K-9 colleagues received ballistic and stab protective vests to keep them as safe as possible while they are working.

This month, six more of their canine companions– Osa, Bach, Karl, Hero, Bull and Ryker– received custom-fitted vests of their own. This gear comes from Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., a national nonprofit that aims to protect these courageous animals by donating more than 2,700 protective vests to law enforcement K9s across all 50 states.

Kato and his friends are decked out in vests that weigh between 4 and 5 pounds and have a value of between $1,795 and $2,234.

Vested Interest recently released their 2018 calendar, which features Kato for the month of April. Proceeds from these calendar sales will be used to provide equipment and services for Kato and the MSCO K-9 Team, as well as the 30,000 K-9s on police forces across the country.

The Vested Interest 2018 calendars are $15 plus shipping on vik9s.org. Calendars can also be ordered by calling 508-824-6978.

Those interested in supporting the organization can also sponsor a vest for a specific K-9 with a $975 donation.

Please visit the official website for more information: vik9s.org

Photo: vik9s.org