Sheriff’s office K9s receiving protective vests from non-profit organization
Coshocton County Sheriff’s Office K9s Henata and Chili will receive bullet and stab protective vests thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. Pictured are Deputy Steve Mox with Chili and Detective Dave Stone with Henata. Josie Sellers | Beacon
COSHOCTON – Coshocton County Sheriff’s Office K9s Henata and Chili will receive bullet and stab protective vests thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.
“We heard about them from other K9 units in Ohio and since our dogs didn’t have them we wanted to apply,” said Detective Dave Stone. “Dingo had one, but it was old and these are modern day.”
K9 Henata and Chili’s vests are sponsored by an anonymous sponsor and will be embroidered with the sentiment “This gift of protection provided by Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.” Delivery is expected within eight to 10 weeks.
“They will wear them on high risk calls when there is a threat of violence to the dogs,” Stone said.
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. The non-profit was established in 2009 to assist law enforcement agencies with this potentially lifesaving body armor for their four-legged K9 officers. Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided over 2,800 protective vests, in 50 states, through private and corporate donations, at a cost of over 2.4 million dollars.
The program is open to dogs actively employed in the U.S. with law enforcement or related agencies who are certified and at least 20 months of age. New K9 graduates, as well as K9s with expired vests, are eligible to participate.
The donation to provide one protective vest for a law enforcement K9 is $950. Each vest has a value between $1,744 – $2,283 and a five-year warranty, and an average weight of 4-5 lbs. There is an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s throughout the United States.
“This is exciting for us,” Stone said. “We work with a tight budget, but now because of this program our dogs will have a lot more protection. This will give us a little more sense of ease when they go out in front of us.”
For more information or to learn about volunteer opportunities, call 508-824-6978. Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provides information, lists events, and accepts tax-deductible donations of any denomination at www.vik9s.org or mailed to P.O. Box 9 East Taunton, MA 02718.
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