(BEDFORD) – Bedford Police Department’s K-9 Zazu received his body armor from Vested Interest in K9s.
Zazu’s vest is embroidered with ” In memory of K9 Kye, Oklahoma City Police Department.”
On August 24, 2014, K-9 Kye assisted officers in apprehending a fleeing suspect but was unfortunately stabbed several times during the apprehension.
K9 Kye was unable to recover from his injuries and passed away on August 25, 2014.
Bedford Police Department’s K9 Zazu received his donation of body armor which includes a bullet and stab protective vest, thanks to the charitable and non-profit organization Vested Interest K9s Inc
Vested Interest K-9s Inc. was established in 2009, a 501(c) 3 charity. It’s mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests or other assistance to law enforcement dogs and related agencies throughout the United States.
The potential life-saving body armor for four-legged K9 officers are U.S. made, custom-fitted, and certified by the National Institute Justice. Since its inception, Vested Interest K9s, Inc. has provided over 4,183 vests to K9s, in all 50 states at a value of $6.9 Million. These provisons were made possible by both private and corporate donations.
The program is open to U.S. dogs that are at least 20 months old, 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 lbs, and comes with a five-year warranty.
For more information, or to learn about volunteer opportunities, please call 508-824-6978.
