The Colorado Springs Police Department announced on Apr. 8 that its new police dog, K9 Koa, will receive a bullet and stab protective vest through a donation from the non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. The vest for K9 Koa is sponsored by Shána Leeper of Colorado Springs and will be embroidered with the message “In memory of Beverly McIllwain.” Delivery of the custom-fitted vest is expected within ten weeks.
Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., established in 2009 as a charitable organization, provides body armor and assistance to law enforcement dogs across the United States. The vests are made in the U.S., certified by the National Institute of Justice, and designed specifically for each canine officer. Since its founding, Vested Interest in K9s has provided over 6,348 vests valued at $6.9 million to police dogs nationwide.
The program is open to working dogs who are at least 20 months old and certified with law enforcement or related agencies. Dogs whose existing vests have expired are also eligible for participation. According to estimates from Vested Interest in K9s, there are about 30,000 law enforcement canines throughout the country.
Vested Interest in K9s accepts tax-deductible donations of any amount; however, a single donation of $1,050 sponsors one vest that typically costs $1,800 and weighs between four and five pounds. Each vest comes with a five-year warranty. Additional information about donations or volunteer opportunities can be found on their website at www.vik9s.org or by calling (508) 824-6978.
