Union City police receive bullet proof vest donations for their two K-9 officers

A non-profit organization based out of Massachusetts has donated two bullet proof vests for the two K-9 officers for the Union City Police Department, they announced today.

By John Heinis/Hudson County View

“We are so thankful to receive this donation,” Union City Police Chief Nichelle Luster said in a statement.

“Bomm and Drago are part of our law enforcement family and their protection is a priority. The vests will keep them safe while out serving our community.”

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. is a 501c (3) charity located in East Taunton, M.A. Their mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States.

The non-profit was established in 2009 to assist law enforcement agencies with this potentially lifesaving body armor for their four-legged K9 officers.

Since its inception, Vested Interest has provided over 3,300 protective vests, in 50 states, through private and corporate donations, at a value of $5.7 million dollars.

The program is open to dogs actively employed in the U.S. with law enforcement or related agencies who are certified and at least 20 months of age. New K9 graduates, as well as K9s with expired vests, are eligible to participate.

“Protecting all our law enforcement officers is of the utmost importance and we are grateful that includes our K9s, Bomm and Drago,” added Mayor Brian Stack, the commissioner of the department of public safety.

“This donation will go a long way in providing our K9s with the resources they deserve while serving the residents of Union City.”

The donation to provide one protective vest for law enforcement K9s is $950.00. Each vest has a value between $1,744 – $2,283 and a five-year warranty with an average weight of 4-5 lbs.

There is an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s throughout the United States.

For more information or to learn about volunteer opportunities, please call 508-824-6978.

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provides information, lists events, and accepts tax-deductible donations of any denomination at www.vik9s.org or mailed to P.O. Box 9 East Taunton, MA 02718.