There are 4 K9s who serve on the Killeen Police force who are all feeling better protected after a generous donation from the non-profit organization Vested Interest.

Jaxx, Edy, Arco, and Merlin have all been outfitted with bullet and stab protective vests to wear in the field while serving and protecting Central Texas. Each of the Killeen K9s will carry the memory of a former police K9 on their armor as Vested Interest embroiders a sentiment on each vest in memory of another animal who fell in the line of duty.

K9 Jaxx's vest carries the embroidery "In memory of K9 Kilo, Seekock Police Department, MA." K9 Edy's vest is embroidered with "In memory of K9 Rocco, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police." K9 Arco and Merlin both have vests that are embroidered with "In memory of K9 Ty. California City Police Department."

Vested Interest provides the vests to dogs of law enforcement all over the country. They started in 2009 to support law enforcement with all-important body armor for K9s. Since then, Vested Interest has provided 3,500 protective vests in 50 states which are valued at just under six million dollars. Any dog actively employed in the U.S. working with police or other public agencies who is at least 20 months old can participate. New K9 graduates and even dogs who are wearing vests about to expire are all eligible to be a part of the program.

Each vest provided for a K9 officer is valued between $1700 and $2300. They weigh about 4 to 5 pounds. In 2019 there are over 30,000 K9 officers in the United States. To learn more about how you can help protect them call 508-824-6978. The donations are tax-deductible. To make a donation to Vested Interest visit www.vik9s.org. 

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