Shelton Police Department’s police dog, Stryker, will receive a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.
Stryker’s vest is sponsored by Shelton resident Margaret Miles, and will be embroidered with the sentiment “In loving memory of Therapy Dog Sandy”. Delivery is expected within eight to ten weeks.
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. The non-profit was established in 2009 to assist law enforcement agencies with this potentially lifesaving body armor for their four-legged officers. Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provided over 2,000 protective vests, in 50 states, through private and corporate donations, at a cost of over 1.7 million dollars. All vests are custom made in the USA by Armor Express in Central Lake, MI.
The program is open to dogs actively employed in the U.S. with law enforcement or related agencies who are certified and at least 20 months of age.
The donation to provide one protective vest for a law enforcement K9 is $1,050. Each vest has a value between $1,795 – $2,234 and a five-year warranty, and an average weight of 4 – 5 lbs.
There are an estimated 30,000 law enforcement dogs in service 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 tax-deductible donations of any denomination at www.vik9s.org or mailed to P.O. Box 9 East Taunton, MA 02718.
Shelton Police Officer Daniel Loris and Stryker graduated the Connecticut State Police K‑9 Academy in May 2015. K‑9 Stryker is a 2 ½ year old German Shepherd. The team was recognized as the Daniel Wasson Award recipient upon graduation. Loris and Stryker have assisted in numerous investigations in Shelton and assisting other local law enforcement agencies.
The Shelton Police Department extends its gratitude to the Vested Interest in K9’s Inc. and Margaret Miles for their assistance in providing Stryker with his vest.
