Gravette K9 gets bullet and stab protective vest

GRAVETTE -- Gravette Police Department's canine officer, K9 IKKS, recently received a bullet- and stab-resistant protective vest, thanks to a charitable donation from nonprofit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. A donation in the amount of $65,825 was presented to the charity from the "Help Officer Hickey Vest K9s" online fundraiser.

The funds were raised through nationwide donations in efforts to help retired officer Matt Hickey of Marietta, Ohio, keep his partner, Ajax, upon retirement. Officer Hickey was able to purchase Ajax for the sum of $1 and the balance was donated to Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., will be providing 62 law enforcement dogs with vests, thanks to the generous donation.

"While we can't always publicize what K9 IKKS does for our city, due to ongoing investigations, he and his handler, Officer Bryan Smith, have been heavily involved and have been a great asset to our community," said Chief Chuck Skaggs.

"Together they have found over six ounces of meth so far," Skaggs said. "They have also assisted our local sheriff's office and surrounding cities as well. We are very thankful to Vested Interest in K9s for donating this vest to help keep K9 IKKS as safe as possible. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our community for donating the funds allowing us to purchase and train K9 IKKS."

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., is a 501c(3) charity in East Taunton, Mass., 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 the potentially life-saving body armor for their four-legged officers. Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., has provided more than 1,900 protective vests in 49 states through private and corporate donations at a cost of more than $1.7 million. All vests are custom made in the U.S. by Armor Express in Central Lake, Mich.

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 K9 graduates, as well as K9s with expired vests, are eligible to participate.

The donation to provide one protective vest for a law enforcement K9 is $1,050. Each vest has a value between $1,795 and $2,234, a five-year warranty and an average weight of 4 to 5 pounds.

For information, call 508-824-6978. Vested Interest in K9s, 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.