Colorado Springs police K9 Riggs receives donation of body armor

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) - Colorado Springs Police Department’s (CSPD) K9 Riggs has received a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from the non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. 

CSPD says that K9 Riggs’ vest was sponsored by Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. and embroidered with the sentiment “In memory of K9 Jovi”.

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 5,350 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.

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 here.