DU QUOIN, Ill. (WSIL) -- A K9 officer with the Illinois State Police has been gifted a bullet and stab protective vest.
Illinois State Police stated K9 DuQ received the body armor thanks to a donation from the non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.
The Illinois State Police made the announcement on March 4, about the body armor donation. The bullet and stab protective vest is sponsored by Vested Interest in K9s and was embroidered with the words "Born to Love - Trained to Serve - Love Always."
Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., established in 2009, is a 501(c)(3) charity whose mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States. This potentially lifesaving body armor for four-legged K9 officers is U.S. made, custom fitted, and National Institute of Justice 9NIJ) certified. 鈥� Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided over 5,918 vests valued at $6.9 million to K9s in all 50 states made possible by both private and corporate donations. 鈥�
The program is open to U.S. dogs that are at least 20 months old and actively employed and certified with law enforcement or related agencies. 鈥� K9s with expired vests are also eligible to participate. 鈥� There are an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s throughout the United States.
Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. accepts tax-deductible contributions in any amount, while a single donation of $1,050 will sponsor one vest. Each vest has a value of $1800.00, weighs an average of 4-5 lb., and comes with a five-year warranty. For more information, or to learn about volunteer opportunities, please call 508-824-6978. Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provides information, lists events, and accepts donations at聽, or you may mail your contribution to P.O. Box 9, East Taunton, MA 02718.
