PRESS RELEASE

PRESS RELEASE

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July 13th 2020 

Sheriff Fontoura Announces Charitable Donation of Body Armor for K9 Unit from non-profit organization “Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.”    

Newark – Sheriff Armando Fontoura today expressed his gratitude to non-profit organization “Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.” for their generous donation of body armor for the Sheriff’s Office’s K9 Unit. Officer K9s Buzzard, Chex, Hanner, Joe and Marko will receive bullet and stab protective vests thanks to the charitable donation.

The vests are sponsored by Survival Armor incentive program and will be embroidered with the sentiment “This gift of protection provided by Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. and Survival Armor”. Delivery is expected within eight to ten weeks.

“Our K9 unit is one of the hardest working teams within our department and we’re thrilled to receive this donation, which will continue to help our K9 companions stay safe in the field,” Sheriff Fontoura stated.  “Whether it is helping in drug and bomb investigations, assisting our fellow law enforcement partners in the field, or tracking down a missing person, our dogs work relentlessly day in and day out. They are valued members of our department and we’re proud to see them rewarded.”

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 3,867 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, 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 $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. 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.