WEST ALEXANDRIA — West Alexandria Police Department’s K-9 officer Max has been awarded a bullet and stab-resistant vest thanks to Vested Interest in K9’s, Inc.
The vest is estimated to cost somewhere between $1,795 and $2,234, and comes with a five-year warranty according to a press release issued by the company.
According to the release, “The program is open to dogs actively employed in the U.S. with law enforcement or related agencies who are certified and at least 19 months of age.”
K-9 Max’s vest will be embroidered with a statement reading, “This gift of protection provided by Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.”
The company is a non-profit, 501c charity locate in East Taunton, Massachusetts, who says its mission is to “provide bullet and stab protective vest and other assistance” throughout the U.S.
The non-profit was established in 2009 to assist agencies in providing potentially lifesaving body armor for K-9 officers.
According to officials, since 2009 the charity has provided over 1,550 protective vests in 49 states through private and corporate donations, totalling $1.4 million.
The suggested donation stated in the press release is $1,050 to provide the custom-made vest by Armor Express based in Central Lake, Michigan.
There are an estimated 30,000 K-9 officers in the United States. To learn more about how to donate, visit the company’s website at www.vik9s.org.
