K9 officers in Saline County have received new bullet- and stab-protective vests thanks to a donation from a national nonprofit organization.

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The Saline County Sheriff’s Office  announced Tuesday that K9 Storm has received a bullet- and stab-protective vest through a charitable donation from Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.

The vest was made possible by a fundraiser hosted by Darice and Gill Ragan of Great Smoky Mountain Dog Club in Greenback, Tennessee, and is embroidered with the message, “Gifted by Great Smoky Mtn. Dog Club.”

Bryant Police Department also announced that their K9 officers Duke and Roy received their vests. They were embroidered with the sentiment “In memory of K9 Gabo, Jonesboro, AR – EOW 1/16/20.”

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2009 with a mission to provide protective vests and assistance to law enforcement K9s across the United States . The vests are custom-fitted, U.S.-made, and certified by the National Institute of Justice, offering critical protection for K9 officers in the line of duty.

Since its inception, the organization has provided thousands of protective vests nationwide, helping safeguard police dogs that often face dangerous situations alongside their human partners.

The program is open to law enforcement K9s that are at least 20 months old and actively certified, as well as those in need of replacement vests. There are an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s serving across the country.

Each vest is valued at approximately $1,800, weighs about 4 to 5 pounds, and comes with a five-year warranty. Donations from individuals and organizations help fund the equipment, with a contribution of around $1,050 sponsoring one vest.

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