HARRISBURG, Ill. -- A K9 officer with the sheriff's office in Saline County will be gifted a bullet and stab protective vest.
The Saline County Sheriff's Office stated K9 Leslie will be donated the body armor thanks to the non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.
The sheriff's office made the announcement on Tuesday, July 30, about the body armor donation. The bullet and stab protective vest is sponsored by Robert P. Aikens, Galleta Fund, Ontario, Canada.
The body armor will be embroidered with the sentiment "Gifted by Galeta Fund, Ottawa Ontario, Canada�.
The sheriff's office expects the vest to be delivered within 10 weeks.
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 NIJ certified. Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided over 5,707 vests to K9s in all 50 states at a value of $6.9 million, made possible by both private and corporate donations.
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. K9s with expired vests are also eligible to participate. 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 $985 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 , or you may mail your contribution to P.O. Box 9, East Taunton, MA 02718.
