CONCORD, NH – New Hampshire Department of Corrections K9’s Ryker and Dutch have received bullet and stab protective vests thanks to a charitable donation from the non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. K9 Ryker’s vest is embroidered with the sentiment “In memory of K9 Ty, California City Police Department,” and K9 Dutch’s vest is embroidered with the sentiment “In memory of K9 Jethro, Canton, OH Police Department.”
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 and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States. 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 has provided over 2,600 protective vests, in 50 states, through private and corporate donations, at a cost of over 2.1 million dollars.
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.
The donation to provide one protective vest for a law enforcement K9 is $1,050.00. Each vest has a value between $1,795 – $2,234 and a five-year warranty, and an average weight of 4-5 lbs. There is an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s throughout the United States. For more information or to learn about volunteer opportunities, please 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.
Corrections Commissioner William L. Wrenn said, “We are grateful to Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., for their generous donation. Ryker and Dutch are part of the Corrections team and their safety is important.”
“The early results of our K9 Unit are positive as we work to keep contraband out of our prisons and out of the possession of persons in the community under our supervision,” Commissioner Wrenn added.
In the first six months, the K9 team has been extremely active. They have helped the Department recover drugs in the mailroom, visiting room locker area, housing units, and at the homes of individuals on probation and parole. Some of the items recovered include Suboxone, Fentanyl, heroin, marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and weapons.
