They’re being provided by a non-profit organization.
Frederick, Md (KM) The Frederick Police Department says all four of its police canines will be receiving protective vests. “Gino,” “Baby,” “Joker” and “Maaska” will receive the body armor thanks to the generosity of Vested Interests in K-Nine.
Delivery is expected within eight to 10 weeks.
Vested Interests in K-9 is a 501-c (3) that provides the vests and other assistance to dogs working in law enforcement or related agencies. Based in East Taunton, Massachusetts, the non-profit’s mission is provide vests and other assistance to police and other related dogs. Since it’s establishment in 2009, Vested Interests in K-9’s has provided more than 2300 vests in 50 states through private and corporate donations at a cost of more than $1.9-million.
All of the vests are made in the USA by Armor Express in Central Lake, Michigan.
A donation to provide one protective vest for a law enforcement canine is $1,050. Each vest has a value of between $1,795-$2,234. It comes with a five-year warranty and weighs on average between 4 and 5 pounds, according a news release from the Frederick Police Department.
The vests are sponsored by the Petco Foundation, which believes that every animal deserves to live the best life. Since 1999, the Foundation has invested more than $175-million in lifesaving animal welfare work to make that happen, according to Frederick Police.
By Kevin McManus