Meet Ben on Monday at 3:30 p.m. at the entrance to the jail, 3301 U.S. 41 E.

Ben, a five-year-old German Shepard, has received his protective vest, thanks to an $800 donation from the Marco Island Women’s Club.

This vest will help protect Ben from injuries during his patrols through both jails and when assisting road patrol. The vest is designed to be bullet-proof and stab-proof.

All of the CCSO K-9s are now equipped with vests.

Ben is trained in both narcotics detection and patrol functions. He was the first dual purpose dog assigned to a correctional facility in the United States. He and his handler, Sgt. Adam Schank, have been working together for three years.