The Floyd County Sheriff’s Office K9 has received a donation of body armor.
In a Facebook post, the sheriff’s office announced that, thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., K9, Sirius, will be outfitted with a bullet and stab protective vest, sponsored by Ray Coffin III of All-Access Infotech, LLC.
Established in 2009,Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) charity whose mission is to provide four-legged K9 officers potentially lifesaving body armor that is U.S. made, custom fitted, and NIJ certified. Since its inception, the company has provided almost 5,000 vests to K9s in all 50 states at a value of $6.9 million, made possible by both private and corporate donations.
Meanwhile, the Floyd County Sheriff’s Office continues to seek ways to offset costs for the K9 Unit, the first in the County in almost 25 years.
One fundraiser on its second go-round is the sales of Sirius plush toy puppies. The first batch of 250 plush toys, which went on sale shortly after Sirius started with the department last October and sold out in roughly 36 hours, raising almost $2,500 for the program.
A second batch went on sale in early January with sales not as brisk with about 200 plush puppies still for sale. Each toy costs $20.
More info about Vested Interest for K9s:
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.
Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. accepts tax-deductible contributions in any amount, while a single donation of $985 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.
