The Kokomo Police Department announced its receipt of bullet and stab protective vests as a result of a charitable donation from Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., a non-profit organizations that supports local K9 units.
The department stated that K9s Baddy, Perec and Rinn will receive the vests due to the sponsorship of Charles Conwell of the Conwell Family Memorial in LaPorte, and the vests will be embroidered with the sentiment “In memory of Gary F. Conwell.” The vests are expected to be delivered within ten weeks.
Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. was established in 2009 as a 501(c)(3) charity with a mission to provide bullet and stab protective vests as well as other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States. The body armor is United States made, custom-fitted and NIJ certified. Since its inception, the organization has provided over 5,837 vests to K9s in all 50 states at a value of $6.9 million, which has been made possible by both private and corporate donations.
The program has been open to dogs that are 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.
