Three K9 units in the Mississippi State Fire Marshall’s Office have received donations of body armor.

K9s Ralph and Ringo received stab and bullet protective vests thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit Vested Interest in K9s Inc. They were sponsored by Leah Beale of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The vests were embroidered with the statement, “This gift of protection provided by Leah A. Beale.”

K9 Pershing’s vest was sponsored through general funds. It was embroidered with the statement, “This gift of protection provided by Vested Interest in K9s Inc.”

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 has provided more than 4,845 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 $960 will sponsor one vest. Each vest has a value of $1,744-$2,283, weighs an average of 4-5 lb., 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. provides information, lists events, and accepts donations at www.vik9s.org, or by mail at P.O. Box 9, East Taunton, MA 02718.