K9’s in Cortland County Sheriff’s Office Receive New Body Armor

The two K9’s within the Cortland County Sheriff’s Office, Dex and Rhett, have received their new body armor thanks to a donation from Vested Interest in K9’s, Inc, who are a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide bullet and stab-protective vests along with other assistance to dogs in law enforcement and related agencies all over the country.

The Sheriff’s Office says K9 Dex’s vest was sponsored by the organization and embroidered with the sentiment: “In memory of Sgt. Meagan Burke.” For K9 Rhett’s vest, his was sponsored by the Conway Family of Linden New Jersey with the sentiment: “In memory of Sgt. Keith Conway.”

The body armor donated can be proven to be life saving for K9’s and is custom fitted for each specific dog and National Institute of Justice (NIJ) certified. Vested Interest in K9’s Inc. has provided over 5,700 vests for K9’s with a value of $6.9 million dollars.

“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. K9s with expired vests are also eligible to participate. There are an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s throughout the United States.” The Sheriff’s Office said in a release.

Tax deductible contributions are accepted by Vested Interest in K9’s, Inc. with a single donation of $985 being able to sponsor a vest. Each vest has a value of $1,800 and weighs between 4 and 5 pounds. They also come with a 5-year warranty. More information on the program may be found at www.Vik9s.com.