Bear, the Derby Police Department’s canine, has a new protective vest thanks to a donation from a nonprofit organization based in Massachusetts.
Vested Interest In K9s Inc. donated a vest that is designed to protect him from bullets and stabbings, according to a press release from Derby police.
An anonymous donor sponsored the vest, which is valued between $1,795 to $2,234. A single vest lasts about five years. The equipment weighs 4 to 5 pounds.
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 canine officers.
Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provided more than 2,000 protective vests in 50 states, through private and corporate donations, at a cost of more than $1.7 million dollars.
All vests are custom made in the USA by Armor Express in Central Lake, MI.
Officer Jordan Gochros has partnered with Bear since the 5‑year-old German Shepherd/Belgian Malinois was received by the department.
Gochros, a police officer for seven years, and Bear have assisted in numerous investigations in Derby and assisted other local law enforcement agencies.
Additionally, Officer Gochros and Bear conduct many demonstrations for elementary school students which allow them to interact with Bear in a safe and educational environment.
The Derby Police Department extends its gratitude to the Vested Interest in K9’s Inc. for their assistance in providing Bear with his vest.
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.
