Wayne County Sheriff’s Office K9 Eryk will receive a bullet and stab protective vest, thanks to a charitable donation from the non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. K9 Eryk’s vest will be embroidered with the sentiment “In memory of K9s Jackie and Niki.” Delivery is expected within eight to ten weeks.
Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. is a 501c(3) charity located in East Taunton, MA. Their mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States. The non-profit was established in 2009 to assist law enforcement agencies with potentially lifesaving body armor for their four-legged K9 officers. Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provided over 3,830 U.S. made, custom fitted, NIJ certified protective vests, in 50 states, through private and corporate donations, at a value of $6.9 million dollars.
The program is open to dogs actively employed in the U.S. with law enforcement or related agencies who are certified and at least 20 months of age. New K9 graduates, as well as K9s with expired vests, are eligible to participate.
For more information on the program or to learn about volunteer opportunities, call 508-824-6978. Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provides information, lists events, and accepts tax-deductible donations of any denomination at www.vik9s.org or mailed to P.O. Box 9 East Taunton, MA 02718.
