Danville Police Department K-9 gets new body armor

DANVILLE, Ill. (WAND) - Danville Police Department’s K9 Judd received a donation of body armor recently.

K9 Judd got a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from the non-profit Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.

The vest was sponsored by a fundraiser hosted by the Moscow Elementary School in Bingham, ME and embroidered with the sentiment “Gifted by Moscow Elementary School."

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., established in 2009, is a 501(c)(3) charity with a mission of providing bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies.

This body armor is U.S. made, custom fitted, and National Institute of Justice (NIJ) certified.

Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided over 6,225 vests valued at $6.9 million to K9s in all 50 states, made possible by both private and corporate donations.

The program is open to U.S. dogs at least 20 months old and actively employed and certified with law enforcement or related agencies. K9s with expired vests are also eligible to participate. There are an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s throughout the United States.

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., accepts tax-deductible contributions in any amount, while a single donation of $1,050 will sponsor one vest. Each vest has a value of $1,800, weighs an average of 4-5 lbs., and comes with a five-year warranty.

For more information or to learn about volunteer opportunities, call (508) 824-6978.

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