BARNEGAT, NJ – Tracker, the K9 cop of the Barnegat Police Department has received a donation of an armed vest to protect him while on duty.
Barnegat Police Chief Keith Germain today announced Tracker will receive a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.
“K9 Tracker’s vest will be embroidered with the sentiment “In memory of K9 Relic, Avon-by-the-Sea, NJ, EOW 2/3/22”, Germain said. “Delivery is expected within eight to ten weeks.”
Germain thanked Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. which was established in 2009, as 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 4,652 vests to K9s in all 50 states at a value of $6.9 million, made possible by both private and corporate donations,” the Barnegat Police Department said in a press release today. “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 charity, 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.