Sheriff Armando Fontoura today expressed his gratitude to the non-profit organization "Vested Interest in K9s, Inc." for their generous donation of body armor for the Sheriff’s Office’s K9 Unit.
Officer K9s Buzzard, Chex, Hanner, Joe and Marko will receive bullet and stab protective vests thanks to the charitable donation.
"Our K9 unit is one of the hardest working teams within our department and we’re thrilled to receive this donation, which will continue to help our K9 companions stay safe in the field,” Sheriff Fontoura said. "Our dogs work relentlessly day in and day out. They are valued members of our department and we’re proud to see them rewarded.”
Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., established in 2009, is a 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 officers is U.S. made, custom-fitted, and NIJ certified. Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided over 3,867 vests to K9s in all 50 states at a value of $6.9 million, made possible by both private and corporate donations.
Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. accepts tax-deductible contributions in any amount, while a single donation of $960 will sponsor one vest.
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 on its [website](https://www.vik9s.org/).