Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

By Staff Reports

The Atmore Police Department’s K-9 officers Bama and Bantu will receive bullet and stab protective vests in the near future, according to officials.

According to the APD’s Facebook page, the vests will be donated by the non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s Inc.

The vests will be embroidered with the following: This gift of protection provided by Vested Interest in K9s Inc.

Delivery is expected within ten weeks, APD officials said.

Vested Interest in K9s Inc., established in 2009, is a 501(c)(3) charity whose mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States.

This potentially lifesaving body armor for four-legged K-9 officers is U.S. made, custom fitted and National Institute of Justice (NIJ) certified. Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s Inc. has provided over 6,120 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 with law enforcement or related agencies. K-9s with expired vests are also eligible to participate. There are an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K-9s throughout the United States.

Vested Interest in K9s Inc. accepts tax-deductible contributions in any amount, while a single donation of $1,050 will sponsor one vest. Each vest has a value of $1,800, weighs an average of 4-5 pounds and comes with 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, or you may mail your contribution to P.O. Box 9, East Taunton, MA 02718.