HARRISBURG, Ill. (WSIL) -- A K9 officer with the Saline County Sheriff's Office has recently received some body armor, thanks to a donation from Vested Interest in K9s.
The charitable donation of the body armor was given to the sheriff's office for K9 Leslie and was sponsored by the Robert P. Aikens, Galleta Fund in Ontario, Canada with an embroidered message which says "Gifted by Galeta Fund, Ottawa Ontario, Canada."
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 National Institute of Justice 9NIJ) certified. � Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided over 5,918 vests valued at $6.9 million to K9s in all 50 states 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, or to learn about volunteer opportunities, please call 508-824-6978. Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provides information, lists events, and accepts donations at , or you may mail your contribution to P.O. Box 9, East Taunton, MA 02718.
