Stratford police K-9 officers Khan and Bravo will be receiving bullet and stab protective vests thanks to the efforts of Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., a Massachusetts based non-profit organization.

The charity received donations of $1,900 to cover the cost of both vests from two Massachusetts sponsors. Samantha Gagnon, a 14-year-old Dighton, Mass. resident made the donation for K-9 Bravo. Her fundraising efforts over the last four years have provided vests for six K-9s located in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut. The Brennan Family of Brockton, MA made the donation for K-9 Khan. Since 2011 the Brennan family has donated four vests for K-9s in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Tennessee and Connecticut.

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. is a 501c (3) all volunteer charity located in East Taunton, MA. Their mission is to provide protective vests for law enforcement dogs throughout the United States. Each vest costs $950.00 and has a 5 year warranty.

“We are very happy to have been awarded these vests for two of our K-9s and look forward to receiving them,” said Stratford Police Chief Patrick Ridenhour. “The vests will certainly help to protect our K-9s when they are put in harms way. A tremendous thank you goes to Vested Interest in K-9s, Inc. as well as the families who helped raise the funds to make this donation possible.”

New police K9 graduates and K9s with expired vests are eligible to apply for the ballistic vests. The program is open to U.S employed and certified K-9s who are at least 19 months of age.

For more information visit www.vik9s.org or call 508-824-6978.

Source: http://www.stratfordstar.com/17393/four-legged-police-officers-get-protective-vests/