McKenzie Police Department’s K9 Toby to Receive Body Armor Donation

McKENZIE — McKenzie Police Department's resident K9 officer, Toby, will soon receive a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. 

K9 Toby’s vest was sponsored by Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. and will be embroidered with the sentiment “In memory of Don Fike.” Delivery is expected within ten weeks.

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 National Institute of Justice (NIJ) certified. Each vest has a value of $1,800, weighs an average of 4-5 lbs. and comes with a five-year warranty.

Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided over 6,603 vests valued at $6.9 million to K9s in all 50 states, 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.