GOLDSBORO — Goldsboro Police Department K9s Lark and Reno will receive bullet and stab protective vests thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. K9 Lark’s vest is sponsored by Elaine Miller of Lillington, NC and will be embroidered with the sentiment “Gifted by Angus and Tucker.” K9 Reno’s vest is sponsored by National Police Association and will be embroidered with the sentiment “Gifted by NationalPolice.org.” Delivery is expected within eight to ten weeks.
“The canines of the Goldsboro Police Department are officers, and we should treat them as such. We want to ensure that their training and their equipment is the best,” said Goldsboro Police Department’s Maj. Phillip Edwards. “We saw an opportunity to update the existing protective wear for these canines, so we reached out to Vested Interest. Thankfully, these two dogs are now getting new vests without it coming from local tax money.”
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 5,043 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 www.vik9s.org, or you may mail your contribution to P.O. Box 9, East Taunton, MA 02718.
