The Christian County Sheriff’s Department has announced K9 Hamer is the recipient of a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from the non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. Spokesman Chris Miller with the sheriff’s office says the vest was sponsored by Huhtamaki of Hopkinsville and embroidered with the sentiment “Honoring those who served and sacrificed”.
Miller says Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. was established in 2009 with a mission to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States. He adds this potentially lifesaving body armor for K9 officers is U.S.-made, custom-fitted, and NIJ certified. Since the inception of the Vested Interest in K9s, Miller notes the non-profit organization has provided over 4,381 vests in all 50 states at a value of $6.9 million, made possible by both private and corporate donations.
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. There are reportedly an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s throughout the U.S.
According to Miller, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. accepts tax-deductible contributions in any amount, while a single donation of $960 will sponsor one vest. He says each vest has a value of $1744 to $2,283, weighs an average of 4-5 pounds, and comes with a five-year warranty. For more information, or to learn about volunteer opportunities, call 508-824-6978. Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. also accepts donations at www.vik9s.org, or you can mail your contribution to P.O. Box 9, East Taunton, MA 02718.
