The Carter County Sheriff’s Office announced on Mar. 23 that its K9 officer, Hulk, has received a bullet and stab protective vest through a donation from the non-profit group Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. The vest for K9 Hulk is embroidered with the message: “This gift of protection provided by Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.”
The donation aims to help protect law enforcement dogs while they are on duty. Providing body armor to police dogs can help prevent injuries or fatalities during dangerous situations.
Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., founded in 2009 as a 501(c)(3) charity, works to supply bullet and stab resistant vests and other support to law enforcement dogs across the United States. According to the organization, these vests are made in the U.S., custom-fitted for each dog, and certified by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ). Since it began operations, Vested Interest in K9s has provided more than 6,348 vests valued at $6.9 million to police dogs nationwide thanks to donations from individuals and businesses.
To be eligible for a vest through this program, U.S. law enforcement dogs must be at least 20 months old and actively working with an agency or have an expired vest that needs replacement. There are about 30,000 police dogs working throughout the country.
Each donated vest is valued at $1,800 and weighs between four and five pounds. The vests come with a five-year warranty. Those interested in supporting Vested Interest in K9s can find more information or make tax-deductible contributions at www.vik9s.org.
