The Waverly Police Department K9 Crockett has been awarded a ballistic vest thanks to a nonprofit organization, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.  An incentive program offered by Armor Express of Central Lake, MI. to Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided 19 law enforcement dogs in 8 states with ballistic vests. For every 15 vests purchased by the charity, a free vest was awarded. Vests were donated to K9’s in Indiana, Illinois, North Carolina, New Mexico, Ohio, Minnesota, Texas and South Carolina.

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 for law enforcement dogs throughout the United States. Each vest costs $950.00 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 1000 law enforcement dogs with protective vests since their inception in August of 2009. Over $880,000 in K9 vests have been donated in 39 states including Alaska and Hawaii.

The organization orders the Armor Express vests made in Central Lake, MI exclusively from distributor Regency Supply in Hyannis, MA. who also does the custom embroidery on the body armor.

New K9 graduates as well as K9’s with expired vests are eligible to apply for the ballistic vests. The program is open to US employed and certified K9’s who are at least 19 months of age.

According to Chief David Daniel, “Officer David Ross and K9 Crockett are an invaluable part of our law enforcement team here in Waverly.  When possible, K9 Crockett will be sent in harm’s way before any police officer and the new ballistic vest will give him extra protection while he does his dangerous job.  We appreciate Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. and all those who support the program.”

For more information visit http://www.vik9s.org or call 508-824-6978. Donations by mail to Vested Interest in K9’s P.O. Box 9, East Taunton, MA. 02718 or via the website.