Berkley Public Safety Dog – Named Bear – to Receive Donated Bullet Proof Vest

(City of Berkley, Jan. 9, 2024)

Berkley, MI – Berkley Department of Public Safety’s K9 Bear will receive a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from the non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.

K9 Bear’s vest will be embroidered with the sentiment “This gift of protection provided by Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.” and is expected to be delivered within eight to ten weeks.

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., was established in 2009 and its mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests along with other assistance to dogs in law enforcement and police-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. Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided over 4,845 vests to K9s in all 50 states at a value of $6.9 million, made possible by both private and corporate donations.

“We are very grateful to Vested Interest in K9s for their most generous gift to K9 Bear,” said Matt Koehn, Public Safety Director. “Anything we can do to help protect K9 Bear while he is protecting Officer Anderson, and the public is much appreciated. We are very thankful to all who made donations.”

The program is open to U.S. dogs that are at least 20 months old and 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.

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. accepts tax-deductible contributions in any amount, while a single donation of $960 will sponsor one vest. Each vest has a value of $1,744 – $2,283, weighs an average of 4-5 lbs., and comes with a five-year warranty.

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 donations at www.vik9s.org, or you may mail your contribution to P.O. Box 9, East Taunton, MA 02718.