Another Duluth Police Department K-9 Officer Has Received a Protective Vest

The Duluth Police Department now has an additional K-9 Officer equipped with extra protection. K9 Villi has received a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from a non-profit organization called Vested Interest in K9's Inc. Villi's vest was embroidered with an honor "In memory of K-9 Haas, Duluth Police Department, MN.

According to a press release from the Duluth Police Department:

Vested Interest in K9s Inc. was established back in 2009 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 potential life saving body armor for four legged K-9 officers is made and custom fitted in the U.S and NIJ certified.

Since it began Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided over 4,183 vests to K-9's in all 50 states at a cost of $6.9 million. This is all made possible from donations through private parties and corporations. K-9's that are eligible are all U.S. dogs that are at least 20 months old and that are actively employed and certified with law enforcement or related agencies. K-9's with expired vests are also eligible. Each vest has a value of $1,744-$2,283, weighs an average of 4-5 lb., and comes with a five-year warranty.

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These K-9 officers are a crucial member of so many police departments all across the country and it is so important that all of these four legged officers have these vests to protect them. Thankfully a company like this exists to assist these police departments with this expense, so no more tragedies happen in the future like with officer Haas.