Macomb Police Department’s canine to get donation of body armor from Oklahoma

MACOMB, Ill. — The Macomb Police Department’s canine, Jax, will receive a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from the non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.

K9 Jax’s vest is sponsored by Leah A. Beale of Oklahoma City, Okla., and will be embroidered with the sentiment “This gift of protection provided by Leah Beale.” Delivery is expected within eight to 10 weeks.

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., established in 2009, is a 501(c)(3) charity whose mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States. This potentially lifesaving body armor for four-legged K9 officers is U.S. made and custom fitted. Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided more than 5,350 vests to canines in all 50 states at a value of $6.9 million, 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. Canines with expired vests also are eligible to participate. There are an estimated 30,000 law enforcement canines throughout the United States.

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. accepts tax-deductible contributions in any amount. A single donation of $985 will sponsor one vest. Each vest has a value of $1,800, weighs an average of 4-5 pounds and comes with a five-year warranty.

For more information, or to learn about volunteer opportunities, call 508-824-6978. Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provides information, lists events and accepts donations at www.vik9s.org, or contributions can be mailed to to P.O. Box 9, East Taunton, MA 02718.