The Sac County Sheriff’s Office’s K9, Remo, will soon be outfitted in new protective gear thanks to a donation in the form of a bullet and stab-resistant vest, courtesy of the non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. The protective vest will be specially embroidered with “In memory of K9 Hobbs, Des Moines, IA – EOW 12/12/23”. K9 Hobbs with the Des Moines Police Department died unexpectedly following a brief and sudden illness. This potentially life-saving body armor is expected to be delivered within eight to ten weeks. Established in 2009, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) charity dedicated to providing protective vests and other assistance to law enforcement dogs across the United States. The organization’s mission is to ensure the safety and protection of K9 officers on duty. The U.S.-made, NIJ-certified vests have been distributed to over 5,435 K9s across all 50 states, valued at $6.9 million, through private and corporate donations. K9s actively employed and certified with law enforcement or related agencies, including those with expired vests, are eligible for the program. Contributions can be made through tax-deductible donations, with a single donation of $985 sponsoring one vest, valued at $1800. For more details or to contribute, visit www.vik9s.org or contact Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. at 508-824-6978.
