Jacksonville Police Department K9s Receive Donated Protective Body Armor
JACKSONVILLE — Four Jacksonville Police Department K9 officers have received new bullet- and stab-protective vests through charitable donations coordinated by the nonprofit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.
K9s Billy, Flint, Moose and Storm were each outfitted with U.S.-made, custom-fitted body armor designed to provide critical protection in the line of duty. The vests are National Institute of Justice (NIJ) certified and considered potentially lifesaving equipment for law enforcement dogs.
K9s Flint and Storm received vests sponsored directly by Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., embroidered with the sentiment, “Born to Love – Trained to Serve – Loyal Always.” K9 Billy’s vest was sponsored by Bernie Klatkiewicz of Feel Them Speak in Antigo, Wisconsin, and features the embroidery, “Gifted by Bernie Klatkiewicz – Feel Them Speak.” K9 Moose’s vest was sponsored by Michael and Claudia Garnett of Royal Oak, Michigan, and is embroidered with the message, “Honoring those who served and sacrificed.”
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Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., established in 2009, is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to providing bullet- and stab-protective vests and other assistance to law enforcement and related agency K9s across the United States. Since its founding, the organization has provided more than 6,348 vests, valued at approximately $6.9 million, to K9 units in all 50 states. The effort is funded through private and corporate donations.
The organization’s vest program is open to U.S. law enforcement dogs that are at least 20 months old, actively employed and certified with a law enforcement or related agency. K9s with expired vests are also eligible for replacement equipment. There are an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s currently serving nationwide.
Each vest has an approximate value of $1,800, weighs between four and five pounds, and carries a five-year warranty. While individual donations of any amount are tax-deductible, a contribution of $1,050 will sponsor one vest.
For more information about Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., volunteer opportunities, or to make a donation, visit www.vik9s.org, call (508) 824-6978, or mail contributions to P.O. Box 9, East Taunton, MA 02718.
