The Downey Police Department’s K9 Dani and K9 Dash have received ballistic vests thanks to a non-profit organization, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc, the Downey Dog Obedience Group of Downey, CA and The Hausman Family Foundation who provided funding for their vests.
The vest for K9 Dash is embroidered with the sentiment, “This gift of protection given by the Downey Dog Club.” The vest for K9 Dani is embroidered with the sentiment, “This gift of protection provided by the Hausman Family Foundation.”
Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. is a 501c (3) charity located in East Taunton, MA 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. Each vest costs $1,050 and has a 5 year warranty. The non-profit was established in 2009 to assist law enforcement agencies with this potentially life-saving body armor for their four legged K9 Officers. Through private and corporate sponsorships, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided over 1,553 law enforcement dogs in 49 states with protective vests since 2009 at a cost of over $1.4 million dollars.
The organization orders the U.S. made vests exclusively from distributor Regency Police Supply in Hyannis, MA who also does the custom embroidery on the body armor. Vests are manufactured by Armor Express in Central Lake, MI.
New K9 graduates as well as K9's with expired vests are eligible to participate. The program is open to law enforcement dogs who are US employed, certified and at least 19 months of age.
For more information or to learn about volunteer opportunities, please call 508-824-6978. Tax deductible donations accepted via mail to: Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. P.O. Box 9 East Taunton, MA 02718 or the website: www.vik9s.org.
Contact:Field Operations Lieutenant Scott Loughner
Phone: 562-861-0771
