WEST PALM BEACH — Palm Beach County School District Police Department K9s Murphy, Onessa, Cali, Neo, Tango, Maggie, Jade and Kobee have received bullet and stab protective vests thanks to a charitable donation from nonprofit organization Vested Interest in K9s Inc. The vests were embroidered with the sentiment “This gift of protection provided by Vested Interest in K9s Inc.”

Vested Interest in K9s Inc., established in 2009, is a 501(c)(3) charity 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 potentially lifesaving body armor for four-legged K9 officers is U.S.-made, custom-fitted and NIJ certified. Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s has provided over 4,101 vests to K9s in all 50 states at a value of $6.9 million, made possible by both private and corporate donations.

“Our partnership with Vested Interest in K9s improves the safety of our K-9 teams who work hard to protect our schools every day. We are truly grateful for this generous donation,” said Frank J. Kitzerow, the School District of Palm Beach County School police chief.

The program is open to U.S. dogs that are at least 20 months old and actively employed and certified with law enforcement or related agencies. K9s with expired vests are also eligible to participate. There are an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s throughout the United States.

Vested Interest in K9s Inc. accepts tax-deductible contributions in any amount, while a single donation of $960 will sponsor one vest. Each vest has a value of $1,744 to $2,283, weighs an average of 4-5 pounds, and comes with a five-year warranty. 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 donations at www.vik9s.org, or you may mail your contribution to P.O. Box 9, East Taunton, MA 02718.