Franklin County K9 Stryker receives protective vest donation

FRANKLIN COUNTY, Ill., (KBSI) — K9 Stryker of the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office has received a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.

The vest was sponsored by Heather and David Jans of Mundelein, Illinois, and features the embroidered message “This gift of protection provided by Heather and DJ.”

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) charity that provides lifesaving body armor to law enforcement dogs across the United States.

Since 2009, the organization has donated over 5,918 vests to K9s in all 50 states, valued at $6.9 million.

The vests are custom-fitted, U.S.-made, and NIJ-certified.

To be eligible, K9s must be at least 20 months old and actively employed and certified with law enforcement or related agencies.

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. accepts tax-deductible donations, with a single vest sponsorship costing $1,050.

Each vest has a value of $1,800, weighs 4-5 pounds, and comes with a five-year warranty.