Brick Police K9 To Receive Protective Vest

BRICK, NJ — Brick Township Police K9 Vader will be outfitted with a bullet- and stab-protective vest thanks to a donation from nonprofit organization, Brick police announced.

Vested Interest in K9s, a 501(c)(3) charity in Massachusetts, has been providing protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States since 2009, the organization said.

Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provided over 2,800 protective vests, in 50 states, through private and corporate donations, at a cost of more than $2.3 million.

Some vests are funded by donations from outside groups for a specific dog; Brick is receiving one donated directly by Vested Interest in K9s. The vest will be embroidered with the sentiment "In memory of K9 Ike, Vancouver Police Department," the K9 who was the inspiration for the organization.

Delivery is expected within eight to 10 weeks, Brick police said.

The program is open to dogs actively employed in the U.S. with law enforcement or related agencies who are certified and at least 20 months of age. New K9 graduates, as well as K9s with expired vests, are eligible to participate.

The donation to provide one protective vest for a law enforcement K9 is $950. Each vest has a value between $1,744 – $2,283 and a five-year warranty, and an average weight of 4-5 lbs. There is an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s throughout the United States.

For more information or to learn about volunteer opportunities, please call 508-824-6978. Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provides information, lists events, and accepts tax-deductible donations of any denomination at www.vik9s.org or mailed to P.O. Box 9 East Taunton, MA 02718.

Photo via Brick Township Police Department