The Bismarck Police Department’s K9s Oscar and Luna have received ballistic vests thanks to a non-profit organization, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.
Oscar is a 2 ½ year old Belgian Malinois partnered with Officer Tim Sass. Oscar is a dual purpose K9. Oscar is the department’s first Belgian Malinois. He is trained in Narcotic Detection and Patrol Duties which includes apprehensions, handler protection, and tracking.
Luna is a four year old Dutch Shepherd partnered with Sgt. Chad Fetzer. Luna is a dual purpose K9 trained in Narcotic Detection and Patrol Duties which includes apprehensions, handler protection, and tracking.
Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. is a 501c (3) charity located in East Taunton, MA. 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. Each vest costs $950.00 and has a 5 year warranty. The nonprofit was established in 2009 to assist law enforcement agencies with this potentially life saving body armor for their four legged K9 Officers. Through private and corporate sponsorships, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provided over 930 law enforcement dogs in 39 states with protective vests since 2009 at a cost of $880,000.
The non-profit will be providing over 350 law enforcement dogs nationwide with the protective body armor.
For more information or to learn about volunteer opportunities, please call 508-824-6978. Tax deductible donations accepted via mail to: Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. P.O. Box 9 East Taunton, MA 02718 or via the website: www.vik9s.org.