The Miami Springs Police Department announced that their Police K9s, Odin and Mando, received a special donation of body armor. The body armor is described by Police as providing bullet and stab protection.
The charitable donation comes from a non-profit organization called Vested interest in K9s, Inc. According to MSPD, “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 US made, custom fitted, and NIJ certified. Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided over 4481 vests to K9s in all 50 States at a value of $6.9 million, made possible by both private and corporate donations.”
Miami Springs Police stated that K-9 Odin’s vest was sponsored by Ann Archinal of Golden, Colorade. Odin’s vest was also embroidered with the message “Born to Love-Trained to Serve- Loyal Always”.
K-9 Mando’s vest was also embroidered with a special message from Vested Interests in K9s: “This gift of protection provided by Vested Interests in K9s, Inc.”.
According to the release, the K-9 vest program is “open to US 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 K-9s, Inc. accepts tax-deductible contributions in any amount, while a single donation of $960 will sponsor one vest. Each vest has a value of $1744 – $2283, weighs an average of 4-5lb., 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, list events, and accept donations at www.vik9s.org, or you may mail your contribution to P.O. Box 9, East Taunton, MA 02718
