2 Annapolis Fire Marshal's Office K9s To Receive Body Armor

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Body armor is being donated to keep two K9 officers for the Annapolis fire marshal's office safe from bullet and stab wounds.

K9s Jackson and Maddy will receive protective vests through a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.

K9 Jackson's vest is sponsored by George Trever and will be embroidered with the phrase, "This gift protection provided by Vested Interest in K9's, Inc." A news release said K9 Maddy's vest is sponsored by Denise Nading and will be embroidered with this note: "In memory of Mel Nading Pilot of Hero 1."

Delivery is expected within eight to ten weeks.

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., established in 2009, is a 501(c)(3) charity that provides bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States. This potentially lifesaving body amour for four-legged officers is made and custom-fit in the U.S.

A news release said that since its inception, Vested in K9s, Inc. has provided over 5,043 vests to K9s in all 50 states, an estimated value of $6.9 million, paid for by 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.

Vested Interests in K9s, Inc. accepts tax-deductible contributions in any amount, while a single donation of $985 will sponsor one vest. Each vest has a value of $1,800, and weighs an average of 4 to 5 pounds.

For more information, call 508-824-6978. Vested Interest in K9s Inc. accepts donations at www.vik9s.org.