The Lassen County Sheriff’s Office announced today that LCSO K9 Officer Hank will receive a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from the non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.
“K9 Hank was selected to receive his vest as well as only two other dogs across the United States,” explains LCSO Sergeant Dustin Russell.
Hank’s handler, Deputy Meier, submitted to receive this grant along with K9 handlers from across the country.
“The Lassen County Sheriff’s Office relies on donated funds to purchase K9 equipment and safety gear for our K9s. The Lassen County Sheriff’s Office is appreciative of what Vested Interest in K9’s does for working dogs across our country and would like to say thank you for selecting K9 Hank!”
The vest is sponsored by 2021 Fallen K9 Hero fundraiser hosted by Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. and will be embroidered with the sentiment “In memory of the K9s who served and sacrificed in 2021.”
Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., established in 2009, is a 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 NIJ certified. Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided over 4,601 vests to K9s 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 by 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.