All five Joplin police dogs to receive bulletproof vests

(From Joplin Police Department)

All five of the Joplin Police Department’s police K9’s will be receiving a bullet and stab protective vests thanks to a very generous donation and the efforts of Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., a Massachusetts based nonprofit organization.

K9’s Gunner, Takoa, Belgon, Scout, and Pax are the designated recipients of the vest awards which were made possible through a very generous donation by a local couple, who wish to remain anonymous. The couple stated that they care about animals and want our K9’s to have the best possible protection while they serve and protect the citizens and visitors of Joplin.

They made this donation in the memory of K9 Cezar, who was killed in 2007 while pursuing a robbery suspect. The suspect turned on K9 Cezar and fired one round striking K9 Cezar in the head. K9 Cezar was transported to a local veterinarian, but later succumbed to his injuries.

The vests are custom fit and made to order and will be delivered in approximately 8 to 12 weeks and will protect the K9s from bullet and stab wounds.

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. is a 501c (3) all volunteer charity located in East Taunton, MA. Whose mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests for law enforcement dogs throughout the United States. Each vest costs $950.00 and has a 5 year warranty. The nonprofit was established in 2009 to assist law enforcement agencies with this potentially lifesaving body armor for their four legged K9 Officers. Through private and corporate sponsorships Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided over 400 law enforcement dogs with protective vests since their inception in August of 2009

Two recent events made it possible for the charity to provide 217 vests for our four legged crime fighters across the country. January 2013, a regional Groupon Grassroots campaign naming Vested Interest in K9s as a charity partner raised over $55,000 which allowed the donation of 53 K9 vests and a nationwide Groupon campaign in March 2013 raised over $155,000 providing vests for 163 K9s in 30 states.

The organization orders the Armor Express vests made in Central Lakes, MI exclusively from distributor Regency Police Supply in Hyannis, MA. who also does the custom embroidery on the body armor.

For further information contact Corporal Brian Henderson at 417-627-8880.