Sheriff’s Office K9 Bolo to get donation of body armor
K9 Bolo and his handler, Cpl. James Presson.
K9 Bolo’s vest is sponsored by Madeline Hamersley of Sorrento, Maine, and will be embroidered with the sentiment “In memory of Karen Killilea.”
Delivery is expected within 10 weeks.
Anderson County Sheriff Russell Barker said he was proud and thankful for the donation.
“I cannot thank Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., enough for this generous donation and for Madeline Hamersley, who sponsored the vest,” he said. “Their tireless work to make all law enforcement K9s safe should be commended.”
Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., established in 2009, is 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 more than 4,450 vests to K9s in all 50 states at a value of $6.9 million, made possible by 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 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 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 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 vik9s.org, or you may mail your contribution to P.O. Box 9, East Taunton, MA 02718.