ISP K9 Barker to get donation of body armor

Trooper handler Kyle Hall and Barker

Courtesy Indiana State Police

PUTNAMVILLE -- Thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s Inc., Indiana State Police K9 Barker will receive a bullet and stab protective vest.

K9 Barker’s vest is sponsored by a fundraiser hosted by Jessica Sutton of the American Legion Riders Post 497.

Barker, an ISP K9 to handler Trooper Kyle Hall in ISP’s Putnamville District, will have a vest embroidered with the sentiment “In memory of Dylan Michael Beck #43.” Delivery is expected within eight to 10 weeks.

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. The 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 Inc. has provided more than 4,327 vests to K9s in all 50 states at a value of $6.9 million, made possible by both private and corporate donations.

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, persons 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.