Ohio K9 officer gifted potentially life-saving gear

WASHINGTON COUNTY, Ohio — Washington County Sheriff’s Office K9 Ivar has received a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from the non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.

K9 Ivar’s vest was sponsored by the National Police Association and embroidered with the
the sentiment “Gifted by NationalPolice.org.”

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., established in 2009, is a 501(c)(3) charity whose mission is to
provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and
related agencies throughout the United States.

This potentially lifesaving body armor for four-legged K9 officers is U.S.-made, custom-fitted, and NIJ-certified.

Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided over 5,472 vests to K9s 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.

K9s with expired vests are also eligible to participate.

There are an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s throughout the United States.

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. accepts tax-deductible contributions in any amount, while a single
donation of $985 will sponsor one vest.

Each vest has a value of $1800.00, weighs an average of 4-5 lb., and comes with a five-year warranty.

For more information and donations to Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., you can visit their website or mail your contribution to P.O. Box 9, East Taunton, MA 02718.

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