HYDE PARK — The Lamoille County Sheriff’s Office K9 Edo has received a bullet and stab protective vest from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.
This charitable donation is part of the organization’s mission to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States.
Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) charity that was established in 2009.
Since its inception, the organization has provided over 4,970 vests to K9s in all 50 states at a value of $6.9 million.
This has been made possible through both private and corporate donations.
The vests are potentially lifesaving body armor for four-legged K9 officers, are made in the United States, custom fitted, and NIJ certified.
The program is open to U.S. dogs that are 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.
It is estimated that there are 30,000 law enforcement K9s throughout the United States.
The organization accepts tax-deductible contributions in any amount.
A single donation of $985 will sponsor one vest. Each vest has a value of $1,744-$2,283, weighs an average of 4-5 lb., and comes with a five-year warranty.
