Lawrence County, IN – A Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department K9 is set to receive potentially life-saving protection thanks to a national nonprofit that supports law enforcement dogs across the United States.
According to the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office, K9 Boon will receive a bullet- and stab-resistant body armor vest through a charitable donation from Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. The vest is expected to be delivered within the next 10 weeks.
The vest has been sponsored by Vested Interest in K9s and will be custom-fitted for Boon. It will also be embroidered with the message: “This gift of protection provided by Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.”
Vested Interest in K9s is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2009 with a mission to provide protective vests and assistance to law enforcement K9s nationwide. The vests are U.S.-made, National Institute of Justice (NIJ) certified, and designed to protect dogs actively working in law enforcement and related agencies.
Since its inception, the organization has supplied more than 6,225 protective vests, valued at approximately $6.9 million, to K9s in all 50 states. The effort is funded through private and corporate donations.
The program is open to U.S. law enforcement dogs that are at least 20 months old, actively employed, and certified with a law enforcement or related agency. K9s with expired vests may also reapply. An estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s currently serve nationwide.
Each vest costs $1,800, weighs between four and five pounds, and comes with a five-year warranty. Donations of $1,050 can sponsor a single vest, while contributions of any amount are accepted.
Residents interested in learning more or supporting the program can visit www.vik9s.org.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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