Peabody Police K9 Bullet-Proof Vest In Memory Of Officer Henry Breckenridge

PEABODY, MA — Peabody police K9 Ozzy will soon have a new bullet- and stab-proof vest awarded in memory of late Officer Henry Breckenridge, who was valued for his tremendous impact on the city and its youth community.

The vest was awarded thanks to a charitable donation from the non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. and is sponsored by The Shilder Family, Cathy's Vests for K9s. It will be embroidered: "In honor of Ofc. Henry Breckenridge Badge #609."

Breckenridge died unexpectedly from non-emergency complications last summer.

(Also on Patch: Peabody Remembers 'A True Gentleman' In Officer Henry Breckenridge)

Delivery is expected within eight to 10 weeks.

Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided more than 5,514 vests to K9s across the country valued at $6.9 million.

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.

Those wishing to donate to Vested Interests in K9s can do so here or by mailing a contribution to P.O. Box 9, East Taunton, MA 02718.

A donation of $985 sponsors one vested — valued at approximately $1,800.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)