CORRECTED NEWS RELEASE WITH UPDATED PHOTOS
Carmel Police Department K9s Jax and Lolo to get donation of body armor
Carmel, IN - Carmel Police Department K9s Jax and Lolo will receive bullet and stab protective vests thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. The vests are sponsored by Don and Misty Fike of Galesburg, IL and will be embroidered with the sentiment “Born to Love-Trained to Serve-Loyal Always.” Delivery is expected within eight to ten weeks.
K9 Lolo is a Belgian Malinois that began her service with the Carmel Police Department on July 16, 2014. She serves as a patrol dog and is specially trained in the detection of explosives. Her handler is Officer Chad Wiegman. K9 Jax is a Dutch Malinois that began his service with the Carmel Police Department June 4, 2022. He also serves as a patrol dog, with specialized training in narcotics detection. His handler is Officer Branden Owens.
Officer Owens and Jax pictured on left and Officer Wiegman and Lolo pictured on right
Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., established in 2009, is a 501(c)(3) charity whose mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States. This potentially lifesaving body armor for four-legged K9 officers is U.S. made, custom fitted, and NIJ certified. Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided over 4,714 vests to K9s in all 50 states at a value of $6.9 million, made possible by both 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 Interest in K9s, Inc. accepts tax-deductible contributions in any amount, while a single donation of $960 will sponsor one vest. Each vest has a value of $1,744-$2,283, weighs an average of 4-5 lbs. and comes with a five-year warranty. 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 donations at www.vik9s.org, or you may mail your contribution to P.O. Box 9, East Taunton, MA 02718.
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