Three K9s with the Mississippi State Fire Marshal’s Office have received bullet and stab protective vests from the nonprofit Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.
Two of the K9s, Ralph and Ringo, received the vests due to Oklahoma City native Leah Beale’s sponsorship, while K9 Pershing’s vest was sponsored through general funds.
Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., established in 2009, is an organization that aims to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States.
In total, a four to five-pound vest costs $960 and comes with a five-year warranty. Each vest is made in the U.S., custom-fitted, and NIJ certified with a value of $1,744 to $2,283.
So far, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided over 4,845 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 is open to U.S. dogs that are at least 20 months old and actively employed and certified with law enforcement or related agencies.
