Sandy Springs Police K9 Seven has been awarded a ballistic vest thanks to a nonprofit organization.
Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. and Scott Burgett, who provided $950 for the vest, made the donation. The vest will be embroidered with the sentiment, “This gift of protection provided by Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.”
Officer Mike Stark and K9 Seven have worked together as a team since September 2014. The Sandy Springs Police Department has a total of four K9s assigned to the Traffic Unit.
The mission of the nonprofit, which was established in 2009, is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States. Each vest costs $950 and has a five-year warranty.
Through private and corporate sponsorships, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provided over 1,349 law enforcement dogs in 49 states with protective vests since 2009 at a cost of over $1.2 million dollars.
The program is open to law enforcement dogs who are US employed, certified and at least 19 months of age. New K9 graduates as well as K9s with expired vests are eligible to participate.
For more information or to learn about volunteer opportunities, please call 508-824-6978. Tax deductible donations accepted via mail to: Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. P.O. Box 9 East Taunton, MA 02718 or via the website: www.vik9s.org.