VILLAGE OF MONROE – K9 officer Keen in the Village of Monroe Police Department has received a bullet and stab-resistant vest, according to department officials. The armor was donated by Vested Interest in K9s Inc. The vest is embroidered with a tribute, saying “In honor of K9 Simba”.
Photo provided.
The Village of Monroe Police described the donor’s organization, saying “Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. 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 officers is U.S.-made, custom-fitted, and NIJ certified. Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided over 4,518 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 and 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.
Each donated vest has a value of $1,744-$2,283, weighs an average of 4-5 pounds, and comes with a five-year warranty.
