Owatonna Police Department’s K9 Vegas will receive a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. K9 Vegas’ vest will be embroidered with the sentiment “Honoring those who served and sacrificed”. Delivery is expected within eight to ten weeks.

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Getting a vest for a K9 officer is a big deal to any department, as that officer is a member of the police force, and the amount of time and money spent training that officer should be protected as best possible.

 

K9 Vegas is a two-year-old German Shepherd and is certified by the National Police Canine Association in both patrol work and narcotics detection. Vegas has been a member of the Owatonna Police Department since August 2019.

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. Each vest is valued at between $1,744-$2,283, weighs an average of 4-5 lb., and comes with a five-year warranty according to a press release from the Owatonna Police Department.

This body armor for four-legged K9s is custom-fitted and certified safe. Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided over 4,004 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, 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.

If you'd like to donate towards another K9 officers vest, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. accepts tax-deductible contributions in any amount, while a single donation of $960 will sponsor one vest. You may mail your contribution to P.O. Box 9, East Taunton, MA 02718. For more information, or to learn about volunteer opportunities, head to www.vik9s.org.

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