SBPD K9 to receive body armor

Special to the NEWS

The San Benito Police Department’s (SBPD) K9, Ghost, is receiving a bullet and stab-resistant vest compliments of a charitable donation from the nonprofit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.

Ghost’s vest was sponsored by Rebecca Perez of Colton, CA, and will be embroidered with the sentiment “This gift of protection, provided by Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.”

Delivery is expected within ten weeks, according to SBPD.

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., established in 2009, is a 501(c)(3) charity whose mission is to provide bullet and stab-resistant 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 certified by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ).

According to an SBPD social media post, since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided over 6,348 vests valued at $6.9 million to K9s in all 50 states, made possible by both private and corporate donations.

The program is open to U.S. dogs at least 20 months old, actively employed, and certified by law enforcement or related agencies. K9s with expired vests are also eligible to participate.

According to the SBPD, there are an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s in the United States.

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. accepts tax-deductible contributions of any amount, and a single donation of $1,050 will sponsor one vest. Each vest is valued at $1,800.00, weighs an average of 4-5 lbs., and includes 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. Interested parties may also mail their contributions to P.O. Box 9, East Taunton, MA 02718.

According to an online manufacturer of K9 body armor, quality Modular Ballistic Vests start at $1,049.99 and can cost thousands of dollars, depending on factors such as the K9’s size.

The tactical Modular Ballistic Vest is available in NIJ-compliant Type II and Type III-A performance. The K9 vest has been designed for modular use and to provide vital-organ protection from gunfire, with consideration for weight, minimized heat retention, and an exceptional range of motion.

The Type II vest weighs 3.9 lbs, and the heavier Type III-A vest offers superior protection for your dog and weighs 4.8 lbs.

Vests are typically made with 1000D Cordura Nylon as the outer shell and Packcloth lining underneath, allowing for simple cleaning and hair removal. Mil-Spec Type 8 webbing with VELCRO® and 1 ¾” heavy-duty plastic side-release buckles ensures a secure fit on a small Malinois to a large shepherd.