NEWPORT, Ore. — K9 Sly of the Newport Police Department will soon receive a new bullet- and stab-protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from the nonprofit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.
The protective vest was sponsored by Sharon Parker of Sand Springs, Oklahoma, and will be embroidered with the message, “Honoring those who served and sacrificed.” Delivery of the custom-fitted vest is expected within the next 10 weeks.
Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to providing protective equipment and support to law enforcement and working K9s across the United States. Founded in 2009, the 501(c)(3) charity supplies U.S.-made, National Institute of Justice (NIJ)-certified bullet- and stab-resistant vests designed specifically for police dogs.
Since its inception, the organization has provided more than 6,500 protective vests valued at approximately $6.9 million to K9s serving in all 50 states. The effort has been funded through private and corporate donations.
The nonprofit’s vest program is available to law enforcement and related agency K9s that are at least 20 months old, actively employed, and certified in their duties. Dogs with expired protective vests are also eligible to receive replacements. According to the organization, there are an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s currently serving throughout the United States.
Each vest has an estimated value of $1,800, weighs between four and five pounds, and includes a five-year warranty. Individual sponsorships of $1,050 fully fund a vest, while tax-deductible donations of any amount are accepted to support the program.
The donation to K9 Sly represents another step in ensuring the safety of law enforcement K9s, which often face dangerous situations while assisting officers in the line of duty.
For more information about Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., volunteer opportunities, or donation programs, visit its website or contact the organization directly.
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