Atmore Police Department officials announced that K9 officers Bama and Bantu have received bullet and stab protective vests thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.

The vests were embroidered with the sentiment “This gift of protection provided by Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.”.

The Massachusetts-based non-profit was established in 2009. Its mission 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 K9 officers is U.S.-made, custom-fitted, and National Institute of Justice (NIJ)-certified.

Since its inception, Vested Interest has provided more than 6,225 vests (valued at $6.9 million) to K9s in all 50 states. Funding is 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. K9s with expired vests are also eligible to participate. There are an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s 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 $1,800.00, 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 through the U.S. Mail, where contributions may be sent to P.O. Box 9, East Taunton, MA 02718.