Two canine officers with the White County Sheriff’s Office are now better protected after a generous donation from the non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s.
Canines Castrol and Jelly have received custom-fitted bullet and stab protective vests to ensure added safety in the line of duty, according to officials.
The protective vests were sponsored by Elaine Porter of Sterling, VA, and are embroidered with the message: “Gifted by Elaine & Jason Porter.”
The potentially life-saving vests are U.S.-made, NIJ-certified and designed to provide law enforcement K9s with critical protection.
Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit established in 2009, is dedicated to supplying protective vests and other forms of assistance to law enforcement K9s across the United States.
Since its inception, the organization has donated over 5,918 vests to K9 units in all 50 states, totaling an estimated value of $6.9 million, made possible through private and corporate contributions.
The program is available to U.S. law enforcement dogs that are at least 20 months old, actively employed and certified. K9s with expired protective vests are also eligible. Nationwide, an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s serve alongside officers in various capacities.
Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. accepts tax-deductible donations of any amount, with a sponsorship of $1,050 funding a single vest. Each vest, valued at $1,800, weighs approximately 4-5 pounds and comes with a five-year warranty.
For more information about Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. or to learn how to contribute, call 508-824-6978.
