Fountain PD K9s receive protective vests

FOUNTAIN, Colo. (KRDO) -- Two Fountain Police Department K9s are now better equipped to take on bad guys.

K9s Moody and Goose now have bullet and stab protective vests thanks to a charitable donation from the non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s Inc. K9 Moody’s vest was sponsored by Mindy King of Heartfelt Travels in Fountain, CO, and embroidered with the sentiment “In memory of Jinx, El Paso County SO, EOW 4/11/22”. K9 Goose’s vest was sponsored by Jonathan Allamani of Colorado Springs, CO, and embroidered with the sentiment “Honoring those who served and sacrificed”.

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 4,740 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, according to the non-profit.

For more information on Vested Interest in K9s Inc., visit www.vik9s.org.