Some companies begin with a business plan.

K9 Storm began with a promise — made in the middle of a riot.

In 1996, Winnipeg Police Canine Handler Jim Slater and his K9 partner, Olaf, were called to the scene of the Headingley Jail riot — one of the most violent prison uprisings in Canadian history. Over 200 inmates were loose, the facility was on fire, and corrections officers had been brutally attacked. As part of the RCMP Emergency Response Team, Slater and Olaf were among the first sent in to regain control. Neither of them wore ballistic protection.

While his fellow officers were outfitted head-to-toe in heavy armor, Slater stood in a patrol uniform. And Olaf — ever ready, calm at his handler’s side — wore nothing more than a flat collar.

Just before breaching the cell block, Slater looked at his fully armored team, then at his unprotected partner. He felt sick. In that moment, he made a deal with God

“If we survive this, Olaf will never work unprotected again.”

They did survive — electrocuted, bloodied, and exhausted, but alive. That promise became the beginning of K9 Storm.

Back home, Slater took one of his own ballistic vests and, with the help of his mother’s sewing machine, began building a custom K9 vest. It took a year of trial and error, but by 1997, Olaf had what no other working dog had at the time: protection made just for him.

Once Olaf was seen working in the vest — during search, tracking, and high-profile apprehensions — word quickly spread. Slater started getting calls from fellow handlers across North America. At first, he said no. He wasn’t a businessman. He had no background in manufacturing.

But the need was undeniable. With the help of his wife Glori, K9 Storm Inc. was officially born in 1998. Their patented custom-fit design is now used by working dogs in over 30 countries, from police departments to special forces.

Olaf went on to complete over 285 apprehensions — his last 100 while wearing the original K9 Storm Patrol Swat Vest — before retiring peacefully at the Slater family home. He passed away in 2004, but his legacy lives on in every vest K9 Storm produces.

That legacy continues at TODOS K9 2025.

As part of this year’s event, K9 Storm is graciously offering one of their ID Harness – STANDARD models to the recipient of the John Douangdara & Bart the Warrior Dog Award, Recognizing the top-performing team in the French Ring event.

This premium harness is much more than a tool — it’s a product of purpose and protection:

• 12 Color Options – From tactical classics like Black and Coyote Tan to vibrant choices like Teal, Purple, or Marshland Camo.

• Custom Embroidery – Add your K9’s name or unit designation right on the neck strap.

• Loop Velcro Panels – Easily attach team patches, department insignia, or country flags.

• Aerospace-Grade V-Ring – Lightweight, ultra-durable leash attachment made from aluminum.

• Lifetime Warranty – Like every K9 Storm product, it’s built for life.

K9 Storm isn’t just gear. It’s a promise kept. And this September, one exceptional working dog will wear that promise with pride.