New Washington County K-9 officer to get protective vest

Washington County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Dzamal will receive a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from the nonprofit organization Vested Interest in K-9s.

Dzamal’s vest will be embroidered with the sentiment “Gifted by Hasday.” Delivery is expected within eight to 10 weeks.

Vested Interest in K9s, established in 2009, is a nonprofit 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 K-9 officers is United States made, custom-fitted, and NIJ-certified.

Since its inception, Vested Interest in K-9s has provided more than 4,300 vests to K-9s 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.

K-9s with expired vests are also eligible to participate. There are an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K-9s throughout the United States.

Vested Interest in K-9s 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.