A city police dog will receive a protective vest, thanks to a charitable donation from nonprofit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.

K9 TYR’s vest was sponsored by Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. and will be embroidered with the sentiment “In memory of K9 Zeus, Cranston, RI - EOW 5/4/24.”

Delivery is expected within 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. This potentially lifesaving body armor for four-legged K9 officers is U.S. made, custom-fitted and National Institute of Justice certified.

The program is open to U.S. dogs at least 20 months old, 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 $1,050 will sponsor one vest. Each vest has a value of $1,800, weighs an average of 4-5 lbs. 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.

“This relationship and level of collaboration with Vested Interest has helped us provide essential safety to our K9s that will last for years and continue to provide effective K9 back-up for officers on the street and continue to include us as one of the premier K9 units in the state,” said Cranston Maj. Todd Patalano.

“This donation completes the outfitting of K9 TYR with the latest technology in K9 safety, and we express our thanks to Vested Interest for the generous contributions, saving the department thousands of crucial dollars.”