OSAGE BEACH, Mo. — A nonprofit has donated a bullet-and-stab protective vest for the Osage Beach Police Department's K9 officer.
K9 Freya will receive the donation in approximately 10 weeks from Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., which will be embroidered on her vest alongside the Survival Armor incentive program that sponsored the gift.
Vested Interest in K9s was established in 2009 with the mission to provide protective vests and other assistance to law enforcement dogs throughout the country. The potentially lifesaving armor for these four-legged officers is made in the U.S., custom fitted, and certified by the National Institute of Justice.
Over 6,000 vests, valued at nearly $7 million, have been gifted by Vested Interest in K9s with the help of private and corporate donations. There are an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s throughout the country.
The program is open to U.S. dogs at least 20 months old, actively employed, and certified with law enforcement or related agencies. K9s with expired vests are also eligible to participate.
Vested Interest accepts tax-deductible contributions in any amount, while a single donation of $1,050 will sponsor one vest. Each product weighs an average of 4-5 lbs and comes with a five-year warranty.
Visit www.vik9s.org for more information.
