The Sumter County Sheriff’s Office K9 Max and his handler Deputy Chad Ciani has been awarded a ballistic vests thanks to a nonprofit organization, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. a Massachusetts based nonprofit organization, and Armor Express, a Michigan based manufacturer. Armor Express of Central Lake, MI. has an incentive program for every 15 vests purchased by the charity, a free vest was awarded. Vests were donated to K9's in Illinois, Iowa, Texas, and Georgia. 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 lifesaving body armor for their four legged K9 officers. The Sumter County Sheriff’s Office is very proud of the hard work and dedication that Deputy Ciani and K9 Max has brought to our department.
Through private and corporate sponsorships, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided over 1223 law enforcement dogs with protective vests since their inception in August of 2009. Over $1.1 million has been donated for K9 vests in 40 states including Alaska and Hawaii.
Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. announces their 7” plush stuffed German Shepherd K9 Hero, "Cesar", and company ambassador of Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. now for sale online for $15.00 at www.vik9s.org. Proceeds from the sales will provide bullet and stab protective vests, for police dogs actively working without the potentially lifesaving equipment.
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.
Information may be found by visiting the website www.vik9s.org or calling 508-824-6978. Donations may be made via the website at www.vik9s.org and by mail at Vested Interest in K9's P.O. Box 9, East Taunton, MA. 02718.
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