The Derby Police Department’s canine, Bear, has been awarded a ballistic vest thanks to a non-profit organization, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., and an anonymous donor who provided $950 for the vest.
Bear is a 4‑year-old cross-breed Belgian Malinois/German shepherd who has been with his handler, Officer Jordan Gochros, for almost 4 years.
Bear is trained in narcotic detection and search and rescue.
This training has been instrumental to the community as Bear has assisted the patrol and detective divisions with dozens of apprehensions, as well as numerous drug seizures.
Although Bear is a working police dog, he has also attended multiple elementary school demonstrations, helping to teach students the responsibility of a police canine. The demonstrations allow students to interact with Bear in a safe and educational environment.
Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. is a 501c (3) charity located in East Taunton, MA., 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.
Each vest costs $950 and has a 5‑year warranty.
The nonprofit was established in 2009 to assist law enforcement agencies with this potentially life saving body armor for their four legged K9 Officers.
Through private and corporate sponsorships, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provided over 1349 law enforcement dogs in 49 states with protective vests since 2009 at a cost of over $1.2 million dollars.
The nonprofit is currently raising money to provide more equipment for more police canines. From a prepared statement:
“Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. announces their 7‑inch plush stuffed German Shepherd K9 Hero, “Cesar,” and company ambassador of Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. now for sale online for $15.00 at www.vik9s.org.
Proceeds from the sales will provide bullet and stab protective vests, for police dogs actively working without the potentially lifesaving equipment.
The organization orders the U.S. made vests exclusively from distributor Regency Police Supply in Hyannis, MA. who also does the custom embroidery on the body armor. Vests are manufacturer by Armor Express in Central Lake, MI.
New K9 graduates as well as K9’s with expired vests are eligible to participate. The program is open to law enforcement dogs who are US employed, certified and at least 19 months of age.
For more information or to learn about volunteer opportunities, please call 508 – 824-6978. Tax deductible donations accepted via mail to: Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. P.O. Box 9 East Taunton, MA 02718 or via the website: www.vik9s.org.”
