Thanks to a donation from a well-intentioned charity, four Osceola County Sheriff’s Office working dogs will receive new protective gear in about two months.
K9 unit dogs Rocket, Aries, Brutus, Recon, and Amos will receive bullet and stab protective vests courtesy of the non-profit Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., a Massachusetts 501c (3) whose mission is to provide such protective vests and other assistance to law enforcement dogs and other related agencies throughout the country.
It was established in 2009 to assist law enforcement agencies with obtaining this potentially life-saving body armor for their four-legged officers and deputies. It’s provided over 3,800 custom-fitted, National Institute of Justice-certified vests to agencies in all 50 states, at $950 each for a total value of $6.9 million through private and corporate donations. Certified dogs at least 20 months of age are eligible.
There is an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s throughout the United States, so Vested Interest in K9s’ work is no complete. For more information or to make a tax-deductible donation go to www.vik9s.org.
Thanks to Vested Interest in K9s for making an investment in local law enforcement, and a positive difference in our community.
