For Immediate Release

Thursday, Aug. 1, 2019

News Media Contact: Jordan Mayblum
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: jordan@jgpr.net

Newport Police K-9 Ozzy Receives Donated Protective Vest

NEWPORT, Vermont — Lt. Travis Bingham is pleased to announce that Newport Police K-9 Ozzy has received a bullet and stab protective vest through a charitable donation from nonprofit Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. is a 501c(3) charity located in East Taunton, Massachusetts 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.

The nonprofit was established in 2009 to assist law enforcement agencies with this potentially lifesaving body armor for their four-legged K-9 officers. Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provided more than 3,400 protective vests in 50 states valued at $5.7 million, through private and corporate donations.

“Our whole department is grateful for this generous donation,” Lt. Bingham said. “This protective vest is a fantastic asset because it will help keep Ozzy safe while he’s carrying out his duties and supporting the work of his fellow officers.”

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 K-9 graduates, as well as K-9s with expired vests, are eligible to participate.

K-9 Ozzy’s vest is embroidered with, “In honor of K-9 Max, Portsmouth Police Department, N.H.”

The donation to provide one protective vest for a law enforcement K-9 is $950.00. Each vest has a value between $1,744 – $2,283, and a five-year warranty and an average weight of 4-5 pounds.

There are an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K-9s throughout the United States. For more information or to learn about volunteer opportunities, please call 508-824-6978. Vested Interest in K-9s, 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.

###