Ottawa Sheriff's K9s receive body armor

October 5, 2017

Media Contact: Sgt. James Douglas, 616-738-462

Ottawa Sheriff's K9s receive body armor

The Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office K9s Andy & Blitz are safer on the job, thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. The group provided bullet and stab protective vests to the Ottawa County service dogs. K9 Andy’s vest was sponsored by the Andrew Elliott Rusticus Foundation of Michigan and embroidered with the sentiment, “This gift of protection provided by Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.” K9 Blitz’s vest was sponsored by an anonymous donor and embroidered with the sentiment, “Be safe my hero. In memory of Lori. - MB.” The donation to provide one protective vest for a law enforcement K9 is $1,050. Each vest has a value between $1,795 – $2,234 and weighs 4 to 5 lbs.

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., located in East Taunton, MA, provides bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement agencies throughout the United States. The non-profit was established in 2009. Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provided over 2,600 protective vests nationwide through private and corporate donations at a cost of over $2.1 million. 

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. Learn more about Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., volunteer opportunities, events and make tax-deductible donations at www.vik9s.org , P.O. Box 9 East Taunton, MA 02718, or (508) 824-6978.