K-9 Darka, the Gun Lake Tribal Police Department’s police dog, will receive a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.

K9 Darka’s vest is sponsored by Sharon M. Peters of Grosse Pointe Shores,  and will be embroidered with the sentiment “In memory of Det. Lt. Richard J. Scott.” 

Delivery is expected within eight to ten weeks.

 

“The safety of all of our officers is of utmost importance to us, this includes our K9 Darka,” said Gun Lake Tribe Public Safety Director Rick Rabenort.  “The donation of this protective vest from Vested Interest in K9s will ensure Darka is protected in the line of duty.”

 

The non-profit was established in 2009 to assist law enforcement agencies with this potentially lifesaving body armor for their four-legged K9 officers. Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provided over 3,400 protective vests, in 50 states, through private and corporate donations, at a value of $5.7 million dollars.

 

The donation to provide one protective vest for a law enforcement K9 is $950.  Each vest has a value between $1,744 and  $2,283,  a five-year warranty and an average weight of four to five pounds.  There are an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s throughout the United States.

 

The program is open to dogs actively employed in the U.S. with law enforcement or related agencies who are certified and at least 20 months of age.  New K9 graduates, as well as K9s with expired vests, are eligible to participate.

 

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. is a 501c (3) charity in East Taunton, MA whose mission is to provide vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States. 

 

For more information or to learn about volunteer opportunities, call 508-824-6978.

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provides information, lists events, and accepts tax-deductible donations of any denomination at www.vik9s.org or mailed to P.O. Box 9 East Taunton, MA 02718