Erie County Sheriff Timothy B. Howard announces Erie County Sheriff’s Office K9s Bo and Ares have received a donation of body armor.
Erie County Sheriff’s Office K9s Bo and Ares have received bullet and stab protective vests thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. K9 Bo’s vest was sponsored by a fundraiser hosted by Nardin Academy and embroidered with the sentiment “Gifted by Nardin Academy High School Students.” K9 Ares’ vest was sponsored by a fundraiser hosted by the Medaille College Vet Tech Club and embroidered with the sentiment “Gifted by Medaille College Vet Tech Club.”
Sheriff Howard stated, “I can’t thank the students at Nardin Academy and the members of Medaille’s Vet Tech Club for these incredible donations. I know they both worked hard to collect donations that went to Vested Interest in K9s, so our work dogs and Deputies could be protected. Thank you.”
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 is U.S. made, custom-fitted, and NIJ certified. Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided over 3,980 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, 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 $960 will sponsor one vest. Each vest has a value of $1,744-$2,283, 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.
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