It’s apparently the season for area K9 units to be outfitted with new body armor for the ‘four legged officers.’ Berrien County has joined Van Buren and Allegan county sheriff departments in announcing new protective gear for the ‘police pooches.’
Berrien County Sheriff’s K9s Rex and Zeke have received bullet and stab protective vests thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. Both vests were sponsored by Katrina Owens of Cockeysville, MD. K9 Rex’s vest was embroidered with the sentiment “In memory of Zeus Owens” and K9 Zeke’s vest was embroidered with the sentiment “In memory of Okie Owens”.
Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., established in 2009, is a 501(c)(3) charity whose mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States. This potentially lifesaving body armor for four-legged K9 officers is U.S. made, custom fitted, and National Institute of Justice (NIJ) certified. Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided over 5,918 vests valued at $6.9 million to K9s in all 50 states made possible by both private and corporate donations.
The program is open to U.S. dogs at least 20 months old and actively employed and certified with law enforcement or related agencies. K9s with expired vests are also eligible to participate. There are an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s throughout the United States.
Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. accepts tax-deductible contributions in any amount, while a single donation of $1,050 will sponsor one vest. Each vest has a value of $1800.00, weighs an average of 4-5 lbs., and comes with a five-year warranty. For more information or to learn about volunteer opportunities, please call (508) 824-6978. Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provides information, lists events, and accepts donations at www.vik9s.org, or you may mail your contribution to P.O. Box 9, East Taunton, MA 02718.
Headline photo: K9 Rex , partnered with Detective Jessica Rrucci
K9 Zeke – Partnered with Sgt. Brandon Crosby
K9 Rex – Partnered with Dep. Jessica Frucci
