Hinds County K9 Deuce to Receive Bullet-Resistant Vest via Donation
The Hinds County Sheriff’s Office in Mississippi will equip its K9 officer, Deuce, with a bullet and stab protective vest donated by Vested Interest in K9s Inc., a nonprofit organization.
The vest was sponsored by a fundraiser organized by Catherine Cavicchi of Kingston, Massachusetts, and will be embroidered with the message “In memory of Robert D. Clavin.” Delivery is expected within 10 weeks.
Vested Interest in K9s, founded in 2009, provides body armor and support to law enforcement dogs nationwide. The organization has supplied more than 6,225 vests worth $6.9 million across all 50 states, funded by private and corporate donations.
The vests are U.S.-made, custom fitted, and certified by the National Institute of Justice. Law enforcement agencies can apply for vests for dogs at least 20 months old, currently working, or with expired vests.
There are approximately 30,000 law enforcement K9s in the United States. Donations of any amount are welcome, with $1,050 sponsoring one vest valued at $1,800. Each vest weighs about 4 to 5 pounds and comes with a five-year warranty.
For more information or to donate, contact Vested Interest in K9s at (508) 824-6978 or visit www.vik9s.org. Contributions can also be mailed to P.O. Box 9, East Taunton, Massachusetts.
