Aberdeen Police K9 Ronin has received a bullet- and stab-protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s Inc., according to Lt. Dale Green.

The vest was sponsored by a fundraiser hosted by Beth Frank of Alaska K9 Center and embroidered with the sentiment “Gifted by Alaska K9 Center.”

Vested Interest in K9s Inc. is a charity located in East Taunton, Massachusetts, 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 nonprofit 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 has provided more than 3,400 protective vests in 50 states, through private and corporate donations, at a value of $5.7 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 $95. Each vest has a value between $1,744-$2,283, and a five-year warranty and an average weight of 4-5 pounds. There are 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 vik9s.org/.