JSU Police K9 Daphne Receives Protective Vest Through National Nonprofit
Jacksonville— K9 Daphne of the Jacksonville State University Police Department has received a bullet- and stab-protective vest through a charitable donation from the nonprofit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.
The custom-fitted vest, which is embroidered with the words, “This gift of protection provided by Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.,” is designed to provide potentially lifesaving protection for the department’s four-legged officer.
Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., founded in 2009, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing bullet- and stab-protective vests and other assistance to law enforcement K9s and related agencies across the United States. The organization supplies U.S.-made vests that are custom fitted and certified by the National Institute of Justice.
Since its inception, the nonprofit has provided more than 6,348 protective vests valued at $6.9 million to K9s in all 50 states. The effort is funded through private and corporate donations.
The program is open to U.S. law enforcement dogs that are at least 20 months old and actively employed and certified with law enforcement or related agencies. K9s whose protective vests have expired are also eligible. There are an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s currently serving nationwide.
Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. accepts tax-deductible donations of any amount. A contribution of $1,050 sponsors one vest, which has an estimated value of $1,800, weighs between four and five pounds, and carries a five-year warranty.
For more information, volunteer opportunities, or to donate, visit www.vik9s.org, call (508) 824-6978, or mail contributions to P.O. Box 9, East Taunton, MA 02718.
