SUNBURY — The Northumberland County sheriff’s dog is a little safer, thanks to a bullet-proof vest.

Sheriff Chad A. Reiner and his K-9 partner, Clark, received the protective gear from Vest’N PDP Inc., a nonprofit formed six years ago to help law enforcement officers obtain safety equipment for police dogs.

“Clark would lay down his life for me and expect nothing in return. He is sent to find lost children and fugitives on the run. He will find drugs and weapons. He is often the first sent in and the last to leave,” Reiner said.

The protective vest, which costs $1,200, weighs about six pounds, said Reiner, who also is the K-9 handler. Clark weighs 87 pounds, and the vest’s weight does not hamper him.

The vests cover the dog’s shoulders, torso and back. The protective gear is worth the cost because training for the dogs can cost up to $14,000, Reiner aid.

Vest’N PDP was founded by Susie Jean, of Socorro, N.M., in July 2002 to raise money to buy bulletproof and stab-proof vests for police dogs.

The organization has provided 260 vests to dogs in 28 states.

“We know the sheriff and his dog Clark are both exposed to danger and the sheriff wears his vest,” Jean said.

“My hope is to help protect the dog, too, should something happen or someone tries to harm him,” she added.