Anniston Police K-9 Izzy Receives Donated Protective Body Armor
ANNISTON — The Anniston Police Department’s K-9 Izzy has received a new bullet- and stab-resistant protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from the nonprofit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.
The vest, which is custom-fitted and certified by the National Institute of Justice, was provided through Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. and is embroidered with the message, “This gift of protection provided by Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.” Police officials said the equipment will provide an added layer of safety for K-9 Izzy while performing law enforcement duties.
Founded in 2009, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing bullet- and stab-protective vests and other assistance to law enforcement dogs across the United States. The organization’s mission is to enhance the safety and effectiveness of K-9 officers, whose roles often place them in dangerous situations.
Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has distributed more than 6,348 protective vests to law enforcement K-9s in all 50 states. The vests, which are made in the United States, are valued at approximately $1,800 each and have been provided through a combination of private and corporate donations totaling nearly $6.9 million.
The program is open to U.S. law enforcement K-9s that are at least 20 months old and actively employed and certified with a law enforcement or related agency. Dogs with expired vests are also eligible to receive replacements. There are an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K-9s currently serving nationwide.
Each vest weighs an average of four to five pounds, comes with a five-year warranty, and is designed to provide critical protection in the line of duty. A single donation of $1,050 is enough to sponsor one vest, though the organization accepts tax-deductible contributions in any amount.
For more information about Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., including volunteer opportunities or how to donate, visit www.vik9s.org, call (508) 824-6978, or mail contributions to P.O. Box 9, East Taunton, Massachusetts 02718.
