September 15, 2025 – Charlotte County, FL
Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office, FL, K9s Leroy, Raider, Rico, and Toro have received bullet and stab protective vests thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. K9 Leroy’s vest was embroidered with the sentiment “In memory of Sgt. Elio Diaz – EOW 12/15/24”. K9 Raider’s vest was embroidered with the sentiment “In memory of K9 Scar – EOW 10/1/24”. K9 Rico’s vest was embroidered with the sentiment “In memory of K9 Major – EOW 10/18/88”. K9 Toro’s vest was embroidered with the sentiment “In memory of DFC Chris Taylor – EOW 11/22/22”.
Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., established in 2009, is a 501(c)(3) charity 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. 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 in K9s, Inc. has provided over 6,225 vests valued at $6.9 million to K9s in all 50 states, made possible by both private and corporate donations.
The program is open to U.S. dogs at least 20 months old and 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 $1800.00, weighs an average of 4-5 lbs., and comes with a five-year warranty. 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 donations at www.vik9s.org, or you may mail your contribution to P.O. Box 9, East Taunton, MA 02718.
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“As always, I want to thank our partners at Vested Interest in K9s for their continued support. They are a true community partner who understands the value of safety, especially for our four-legged deputies. We appreciate all that Vested Interest has done for us and we know that we can turn to them again in the future whenever new K9s join the CCSO family.”
Sheriff Bill Prummell
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