Police dogs receive protective vests

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WECT) – Ten New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office police dogs will receive protective vests from the nonprofit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.

According to the sheriff’s office, police dogs Clark, Ellie, Mac, Marvin, Vera, Axel, Bucky, Coast, Mike and Skippy will receive the bullet and stab protection vests.

“Handlers Clark, Ellie, Mac, Marvin and Vera’s vests are sponsored by Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. and are embroidered with the phrase ‘This gift of protection is provided by Vested Interest in K9s.’ Handlers Axel, Bucky and Mike’s vests are sponsored by Michael and Torri Winstead of Wilmington, NC. Handler Axel’s vest is embroidered with the phrase ‘This gift of protection is provided by Mylo Winstead,’ Handler Bucky’s vest is embroidered with the phrase ‘In memory of Nugget Winstead,’ and Handler Mike’s vest is embroidered with the phrase ‘This gift of protection is provided by Malibu Winstead.’ Handler Coast’s vest is sponsored by Patti Sanford of Wilmington, NC and is embroidered with the phrase ‘Gift from VIPR Patti Sanford.’ K9 Skippy’s vest is sponsored by Tony Zitney of Wilmington, NC and is embroidered with the message, “This gift of protection is provided by VIPR Tony Zitney,” the NHCSO explains.

Each vest costs $1,800 and delivery to the sheriff’s office is expected within the next eight to ten weeks.

“Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., founded in 2009, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing bullet and stab protection vests and other supplies to the dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States,” the press release continues. “This potentially life-saving protective vest for four-legged police dogs is made in the USA, custom-fitted and NIJ certified.”

“Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided over 5,707 vests valued at $6.9 million to police dogs in all 50 states, made possible by private and corporate donations.”

You can find more information about the non-profit organization here.

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