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Oct 24, 2024

Onslow County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Dart receives body armor | News | jdnews.com

Onslow County Sheriff's Office K-9 Dart wearing a bullet and stab protective vest, provided by Vested Interest in K9s. Onslow County Sheriff's Office K-9 Dart received a bullet and stab protective

Onslow County Sheriff's Office K-9 Dart wearing a bullet and stab protective vest, provided by Vested Interest in K9s.

Onslow County Sheriff's Office K-9 Dart received a bullet and stab protective vest this week thanks to a charitable donation from nonprofit organization Vested Interest in K9s.

K-9 Dart's vest is sponsored by Douglas MacArthur of Clearfield, Utah, and is embroidered with the sentiment, "In memory of Erika K. MacArthur," according to sheriff's office staff.

Vested Interest in K9s was established in 2009 and is a nonprofit 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.

The potentially lifesaving body armor for four-legged K-9 officers is U.S. made, custom fitted, and National Institute of Justice certified.

Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s has provided more than 5,707 vests to K-9s in all 50 states at a value of $6.9 million, made possible by both private and corporate 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. K-9s with expired vests are also eligible to participate.

There are an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K-9s throughout the United States, according to the sheriff's office.

Vested Interest in K9s accepts tax-deductible contributions in any amount, while a single donation of $985 will sponsor one vest. Each vest has a value of $1,800, weighs an average of 4 to 5 pounds, and comes with a five-year warranty.

For more information or to learn about volunteer opportunities, call 508-824-6978. Vested Interest in K9s provides information, lists events, and accepts donations at www.vik9s.org or by P.O. Box 9, East Taunton, MA, 02718.