Grand Ledge Police Department issued the following announcement on Mar 10.
Grand Ledge Police Department’s K9 Thor has received a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. K9 Thor’s vest was sponsored by Patricia Giencke of Lexington, MA and embroidered with the sentiment “Born to Love-Trained to Serve-Loyal Always”.
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 NIJ certified. Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided over 4,563 vests to K9s in all 50 states at a value of $6.9 million, made possible by both private and corporate donations.
The program is open to U.S. dogs that are 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.
The Grand Ledge Police Department is proud to be able to provide K-9 services to the residents of Grand Ledge and assist other local communities. The K-9 program first got it's start in Grand Ledge in 1998 and has been in service continuously since that time. Thor and his partner Officer Sara Devereaux started patrol in 2020. Thor is a three-year-old German Shepherd from Poland, dual trained in narcotics and patrol/tracking.
Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. accepts tax-deductible contributions in any amount, while a single donation of $960 will sponsor one vest. Each vest has a value of $1,744-$2,283, weighs an average of 4-5 lb., 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.
Original source can be found here.
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