Saratoga County Sheriff’s K9’s Dutch, Brodie, Kyle, Gunner, Hogan, Lee, Zeus, Nio, Karma, and Duke have received ballistic vests thanks to money raised by a charitable organization.
Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.raised over $9,800 at the annual “Protecting the Paws in Blue” charity event which was held at the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Department on Sept. 21. Proceeds were donated by the non-profit to provide vests for the 10 dogs at the Saratoga County Sheriff's Office.
Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. is a 501c (3) nationwide charity located in East Taunton, Mass. Their mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States. Each vest costs $950.00 and has a 5 year warranty. The nonprofit was established in 2009 to assist law enforcement agencies with this potentially life-saving body armor for their four legged K9 Officers. Through private and corporate sponsorships, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provided over 1,198 law enforcement dogs in 40 states with protective vests since 2009 at a cost of $1,138,100.
The organization orders the U.S. made vests exclusively from the distributor Regency Police Supply in Hyannis, MA. Who also does the custom embroidery on the body armor. Armor Express of Central Lake, MI is the manufacturer for the K9 vests.
New K9 graduates as well as K9's with expired vests are eligible to participate. The program is open to law enforcement dogs who are U.S employed, certified and at least 19 months of age.
For more information, event listings or to learn about volunteer opportunities, please call 508-824-6978 or by visiting the website: www.vik9s.org

Photos from Sheriff's Office