Weakley County Sheriff’s K9 Recon Receives Body Armor Donation

Weakley County Sheriff's Department K9 Recon recently received his body armor donation from Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. Recon's K9 Deputy is Scottie Hodges.

WEAKLEY COUNTY (September 11) - Weakley County Sheriff’s Department K9 Recon recently received a bullet- and stab-protective vest, thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. K9 Recon’s vest was sponsored by Don and Misty Fike of Galesburg, Illinois, and embroidered with the sentiment “Honoring those who served and sacrificed.”

“K9 Deputy Scottie Hodges and the Weakley County Sheriff's Office are beyond appreciative to Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. for the bullet- and stab-proof vest for our K9, Recon,” WCSD Capt. Terry McDade noted.

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, custom fitted and NIJ certified. Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided more than 4,033 vests to K9s 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 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. There are an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s throughout the United States.

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. accepts tax-deductible contributions in any amount, while a single donation of $960 will sponsor one vest. Each vest has a value of $1,744-$2,283, 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 people may mail a contribution to P.O. Box 9, East Taunton, MA, 02718.