INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana State Police K9 Rich has received a custom bulletproof and stab-proof vest, thanks to a charitable donation from the non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.
K9 Rich’s body armor was sponsored by Heather and David Jans of Mundelein, Illinois. The vest is custom-embroidered with the sentiment: “This gift of protection provided by Heather and DJ.”
The non-profit group Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., established in 2009, is a 501(c)(3) charity dedicated to providing bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States.
The body armor provided to four-legged officers is American-made, custom-fitted, and certified by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ). Each vest weighs an average of 4 to 5 pounds, carries a value of $1,800, and comes backed by a five-year warranty.
Since its founding, Vested Interest in K9S, Inc. has provided more than 6,677 vests, valued at approximately $6.9 million, to law enforcement dogs in all 50 states through private and corporate sponsorships.
The program is open to working dogs across the nation that are at least 20 months old and actively certified with law enforcement agencies, as well as K9s with expired vests. An estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s serve in agencies across the United States.
Tax-deductible contributions to the organization are accepted in any amount, with a $1,050 donation sponsoring a complete vest package. To learn more, volunteer, or donate, visit vik9s.org, call (508) 824-6978, or mail contributions to P.O. Box 9, East Taunton, MA 02718.
