Dover Police Department’s K9 Gerome has been awarded a bullet & stab resistant vest
The Dover Police Department’s K9 Gerome has been awarded a ballistic vest thanks to a nonprofit organization, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. a Massachusetts based nonprofit organization, and Armor Express, a Michigan based manufacturer. Armor Express of Central Lake, MI. has an incentive program for every 15 vests purchased by the charity, a free vest was awarded. Vests were donated to K9’s in Illinois, Wisconsin, Texas, South Carolina, Delaware, North Dakota, and Arkansas.
Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. is a 501c (3) charity located in East Taunton, MA.; whose mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests for law enforcement dogs throughout the United States. Each vest costs $1050.00 and has a 5 year warranty. The non-profit was established in 2009 to assist law enforcement agencies with this potentially lifesaving body armor for their four legged K9 officers.
Through private and corporate sponsorships, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided over 1530 law enforcement dogs with protective vests since their inception in August of 2009. Over $1.4 million has been donated for K9 vests in 49 states including Alaska and Hawaii.
Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. announces their signature tank top is now available online for a $20.00 donation at http://www.vik9s.org. Proceeds will provide bullet and stab protective vests, for police dogs actively working without the potentially lifesaving equipment.
The organization orders the Armor Express vests made in Central Lake, MI exclusively from distributor Regency Supply in Hyannis; MA. who also does the custom embroidery on the body armor.
New K9 graduates as well as K9’s with expired vests are eligible to apply for the ballistic vests. The program is open to US employed and certified K9’s who are at least 19 months of age.
The Dover Police Department currently has three working K9’s. Gerome joined the Dover Police Department approximately one year ago and is assigned to Master Corporal Frank Fioravaniti. K9’s are an important part of the Dover Police Department, assisting in apprehensions, tracking suspects, narcotics searches, and keeping officers safe. Obtaining this protective vest will ensure the departments investment is protected, but more importantly, to protect the K9 wearing it. Gerome is an officer like any other officer and places his safety on the line each and every day to protect the citizens of Dover. This vest will ensure that Gerome is just as safe as any other officer. The Dover Police Department thanks Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. and Armor Express for the generous donation.
Information may be found by visiting the website http://www.vik9s.org or calling 508-824-6978. Donations may be made via the website at http://www.vik9s.org and by mail at Vested Interest in K9’s P.O. Box 9, East Taunton, MA. 02718.
