CUSTER COUNTY, Neb. — K9 Vader of the Custer County Sheriff’s Office has received a new bullet- and stab-resistant vest through a charitable donation from Vested Interest in K9s Inc.
The custom-fitted body armor was sponsored by Sherri Widlund of Colorado Springs, Colorado. The vest is embroidered with the message, “In honor of Aunt Marge Wright.”
Vested Interest in K9s is a nonprofit organization that provides protective vests and other assistance to law enforcement dogs across the United States. The organization was established in 2009.
According to the organization, its vests are made in the United States and certified by the National Institute of Justice. Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s has provided more than 6,397 protective vests valued at approximately $6.9 million to law enforcement dogs in all 50 states.
The organization’s vest program is open to certified law enforcement dogs that are at least 20 months old and actively employed by a law enforcement or related agency. K9s with expired protective vests may also qualify for the program.
An estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s are currently serving across the country.
A $1,050 donation covers the cost of sponsoring one vest. Each vest is valued at approximately $1,800, weighs an average of four to five pounds, and includes a five-year warranty.
Additional information about donations and volunteer opportunities is available at www.vik9s.org or by calling 508-824-6978.
