ALEA K9 Toby to Receive Protective Body Armor Through National Donation Program
ALABAMA — K9 Toby of the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s SWAT Team will soon receive a bullet- and stab-protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from the nonprofit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.
According to a press release from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, the vest was sponsored by Manitou Cliff Dwellings of Manitou Springs, Colorado. The vest will be embroidered with the message, “This gift of protection provided by Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.” Delivery of the protective gear is expected within the next ten weeks.
K9 Toby is a 2-year-old Dutch Shepherd assigned to ALEA’s SWAT Team. He serves as a dual-purpose K9 trained in apprehension and tracking.
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 dogs and related agencies throughout the United States. The potentially lifesaving body armor for K9 officers is made in the United States, custom fitted, and certified by the National Institute of Justice.
Since its founding, the organization has provided more than 6,348 protective vests to law enforcement K9s across all 50 states. The vests, valued at a combined total of approximately $6.9 million, have been made possible through private and corporate donations.
The program is open to U.S. K9s that are at least 20 months old, actively employed, and certified with law enforcement or related agencies. Dogs whose protective vests have expired are also eligible. There are an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s currently serving throughout the United States.
Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. accepts tax-deductible donations of any amount. A single contribution of $1,050 will sponsor one vest, which has an estimated value of $1,800, weighs an average of four to five pounds, and comes with a five-year warranty.
Donations may also be mailed to Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., P.O. Box 9, East Taunton, Massachusetts, 02718.
https://weisradio.com/2025/01/27/etowah-county-welcomes-new-k9-deputy/
