Jacksonville, AL – The Jacksonville Police Department’s K9 unit will soon receive upgraded safety equipment thanks to a charitable contribution from the national nonprofit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. K9s Flint, Storm, Billy, and Moose have each been awarded custom-fitted bullet and stab protective vests through the organization’s sponsorship program. Delivery is expected within ten weeks.
K9s Flint and Storm will receive vests sponsored directly by Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., each embroidered with the message, “Born to Love – Trained to Serve – Loyal Always.”
K9 Billy’s vest was sponsored by Bernie Klatkiewicz, Feel Them Speak of Antigo, WI, and will include the embroidered sentiment, “Gifted by Bernie Klatkiewicz – Feel Them Speak.”
K9 Moose’s vest was sponsored by Michael and Claudia Garnett of Royal Oak, MI, and will bear the message, “Honoring those who served and sacrificed.”
Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., founded in 2009, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to providing bullet- and stab-resistant body armor and other support for law enforcement K9s across the United States. The vests, which are U.S.-made, NIJ-certified, and custom fitted to each dog, weigh between four and five pounds and carry a five-year warranty.
Since its inception, the organization has donated more than 6,225 protective vests, valued at approximately $6.9 million, to K9 units in all 50 states. The program is open to active, certified law enforcement dogs at least 20 months old, as well as dogs with expired vests.
According to national estimates, roughly 30,000 law enforcement K9s are currently serving in agencies throughout the country.
Tax-deductible donations of any amount are accepted, while a contribution of $1,050 sponsors a single vest valued at $1,800. The organization also provides information on volunteer opportunities and additional ways to support K9 safety efforts.
More details are available at www.vik9s.org, by calling (508) 824-6978, or by mail at P.O. Box 9, East Taunton, MA 02718.
