In Lamar, Colorado, the Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) K9 unit is equipping its newest partner, a black Labrador retriever named Sage, with a bullet‑ and stab‑resistant vest. The gear was provided through the national nonprofit Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. and sponsored by Colorado Springs resident Barbara Chilton.
Honoring a Fallen Service Dog
The vest bears the embroidered message, “In honor of K9 Roam, Colorado Springs.” Roam, a Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) K9, retired in January after sustaining serious stab wounds to the head, neck, and abdomen during an arrest attempt on a barricaded suspect.
Sage’s Role in Wildlife Protection
Sage and her handler, District Wildlife Officer Zachary Picard, will wear the protective gear while conducting wildlife‑crime investigations and other public‑safety duties throughout southeastern Colorado. The pair operate out of CPW’s Lamar office, supporting law‑enforcement partners in the region.
“K9 Sage and Officer Picard have hit the ground running since joining CPW’s K9 Pilot Program in 2024,” said Ian Petkash, supervisor for the statewide K9 unit, in a press release. “Sage is a fan favorite, and her enthusiasm is contagious!”
Training and Capabilities
Sage has completed more than 890 hours of training and holds a wildlife‑detection certification. Her work includes locating evidence that may have been discarded or concealed, such as firearms left in fields, and assisting during active hunting seasons.
“Sage has been an invaluable addition to the Lamar team and is an exceptional partner in the field,” Officer Picard explained. “Since joining the team, Sage has assisted with a variety of deployments, including helping local law enforcement search for firearms discarded in fields and working throughout active hunting seasons. Off duty, Sage enjoys her toys and time with my family’s two other dogs.”
Community Support for K9 Programs
The vest’s sponsorship highlights the strong community backing for K9 units that protect both people and wildlife. Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. works nationwide to provide protective equipment, training resources, and funding for service dogs that face dangerous situations in the line of duty.
Local residents and law‑enforcement agencies have praised the initiative, noting that the added protection helps keep both the dogs and their handlers safe during high‑risk operations.
Looking Ahead
As Sage continues her work, CPW plans to expand the K9 Pilot Program, adding more dogs and equipment to cover additional counties. The agency emphasizes that well‑trained, protected K9 teams are essential for preserving Colorado’s natural resources and ensuring public safety in rural areas.
For more information about the Vested Interest in K9s program, visit their website.
Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.
