SOUTHAVEN — Two K9s with the Southaven Police Department will soon receive new bullet- and stab-resistant body armor through a charitable donation from a national nonprofit organization.
Police said K9s Raptor and Zargo will be outfitted with protective vests donated by “Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.” The vests will be embroidered with the message, “In memory of K9 Luca, DeSoto County, MS – EOW 2/21/24,” honoring the fallen K9. Delivery of the vests is expected within 10 weeks.
Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., founded in 2009, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to providing bullet- and stab-resistant vests and other assistance to law enforcement K9s across the United States. Officials said the body armor is made in the U.S., custom-fitted for each dog, and certified by the National Institute of Justice.
Since its founding, the organization has provided more than 6,225 vests valued at approximately $6.9 million to K9s in all 50 states, made possible through private and corporate donations.
The program is open to law enforcement dogs that are at least 20 months old, actively employed, and certified with a law enforcement or related agency. K9s with expired vests are also eligible. Officials estimate there are roughly 30,000 law enforcement K9s nationwide.
The nonprofit accepts tax-deductible donations in any amount. A single donation of $1,050 sponsors one vest, which has a value of $1,800, weighs an average of 4 to 5 pounds, and includes a five-year warranty.
