COUPON
$10 OFF
24/7 Service
Furnace Maintenance
$200 OFF
New Furnace Purchase GA ST
OVER 120 YEARS AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING
EXPIRES 12/31/26
MUST PRESENT COUPON
For Service Call: GAST HEATING & COOLING
Proudly Provides • Service • Sales • Installation & Repairs • Geothermal • Generators • Free Estimates OVER 120 YEARS • Financing Available AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING
GAS T
517 SR 19 | Akron, IN 46910
574-893-4718
HEAR for the Holidays!
Call Today For A FREE Video Otoscope Examination To See If Ear Wax Is Causing Your Hearing Problems
MyAffordableHearing.com
Gastheatingcooling@rtcol.com
574-223-EARS (3277) • 418 E. 9th St., Rochester
Fulton County
Shopping Guide News Wednesday, January 7, 2026
www.shoppingguidenews.com
617 Main Street, Rochester, IN 46975
K9 Stone’s new vest: By WENDY MELTON Staff Writer
RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMER
PAID
Milford, IN Permit No. 2 EDDM
PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE
ECRWSS
PAID
Milford, IN Permit No. 2
Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage
PRESORTED The Papers Inc. STANDARD NONPROFIT ORG P.O.U.S. Box 188PAID POSTAGE MILFORD, IN Milford, Indiana 46542 PERMIT NO. 2
ECRWSS
SIDENTIAL CUSTOMER
PAID
Milford, IN Permit No. 2
PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE
K-9 police officers receive the same respect and treatment as their human counterparts. It stands to reason they should also receive the same level of protective gear. K-9 officers are often sent into difficult situations due to their size, speed and agility. They are able help neutralize suspect and contain them until additional officers arrive and take control of the situation. K-9 officers are more than just partners. They are also family members. As law enforcement officers, they provide an additional layer of protection for their partners. K-9s and their partners live and work together, creating a team that often thinks and acts as a single unit. When on a call, a K-9 officer is ready to go to work and will immediately follow their partner’s commands. Vested Interest in K9s Inc. has sponsored a bullet- and stab-resistant vest for Rochester Police Department’s K-9 Stone. This will allow him to perform his duties in a safe and effective man-
ner. K-9 Officer Bryce Michael applied for the vest through the nonprofit’s equipment and grant program, which helps to cover the cost. Each vest costs approximately $1,050 (donation), but have a value of $1,800. Other K-9s in the area have also received vests from the organization. K-9 Stone’s vest will be custom-fitted for maximum protection. It also carries a memorial to another K-9 officer from Edinburgh, who died following a medical episode during a training exercise. The memorial embroidered into the vest reads “In memory of K9 Kira, Edinburgh, IN – EOW 2/4/24.” The vest weighs between four and five pounds and carries a five-year warranty. K-9 Stone is a little over 3 years old and has been with Officer Michael since 2023. Officer Michael said, “We go through six weeks of training at Von Lichte. I think it’s equivalent to 240 hours. That is for the dual-purpose K-9s. Dual purpose is for narcotics detection, handler protection, tracking and apprehension.” The training allows the dogs to serve as of the human officer, sometimes going where a person cannot. Their speed and agility makes it difficult for a suspect to hide or escape from law enforcement. Sandy Marcal of Vested Interests in K9s Inc. said, “We are a nonprofit organization. We work with individuals, other organizations and civic groups for fundraising. We donate over 500 vests a year. The dogs are awarded the vests through an
AT YOUR SERVICE
24/7
Phone 574-223-5417
Protecting those who serve
PARTNERS — Shown is Rochester Police Department K-9 Patrol Officer Bryce Michael and his K-9 partner Stone. Photo provided by Officer Bryce Michael. equipment grant. The officer will go on our website and apply. If they fill out the paperwork appropriately, they get a vest.
We’ve never had a waiting list ever in 17 years.” For more information about Vested Interest and how to do-
nate, visit vik9s.org or call (508) 824-6978. Volunteer and fundraising opportunities are available.
KITE & ULERICK &
574-223-6307 Family Owned & Operated
Residential & Commercial ~ Licensed & Insured ~
Est. 1985
NO
INFLATED FE WEEKEND ES FOR SERVICE CALLS!