The Chambersburg Area School District Police Department announced that K9 Gunner has received a bullet- and stab-protective vest through a donation from Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. The vest was sponsored by Don and Misty Fike of Galesburg, Illinois, and is embroidered with the words: “Born to Love – Trained to Serve – Loyal Always.”
Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., a nonprofit established in 2009, provides bullet- and stab-resistant vests and other assistance to law enforcement dogs across the United States. The organization has provided more than 6,225 vests nationwide, valued at $6.9 million, funded by private and corporate donations.
The vests are U.S.-made, custom fitted, certified by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ), weigh an average of 4–5 pounds, and include a five-year warranty. Each vest has a value of $1,800, with sponsorships starting at $1,050.
The program is open to U.S. law enforcement dogs at least 20 months old and actively employed and certified, as well as those with expired vests. An estimated 30,000 K9s are serving in law enforcement nationwide.
Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. accepts tax-deductible donations of any amount. More information, volunteer opportunities, and event details are available at www.vik9s.org. Contributions can also be mailed to P.O. Box 9, East Taunton, MA 02718. The organization can be contacted by phone at (508) 824-6978.
Photo credits to Chambersburg Area School District
