Nationwide Nonprofit Bestows Life-Saving Armor Upon Willowbrook Police K9

A Willowbrook Police Department canine is going to be safer, thanks to a charitable donation from a nonprofit focused on protecting furry friends.

The department's service dog, Artos, is now clad in a bullet- and stab-proof vest embroidered with the sentiment, "In memory of K9 Rocco, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police." The gift came from Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., a Massachusetts-based organization committed to providing protective vests and other assistance to the country's estimated 30,oo0 service dogs.

Vested in K9s was established in 2009 to fund lifesaving body armor for law enforcement agencies' four-legged K9 officers. Since its inception, it has provided more than 2,000 protective vests in 50 states through private and corporate donations — A value of around $1.7 million dollars. All vests are custom made in the U.S. by Armor Express in Central Lake, Michigan.

The program is open to 20-month-old and older dogs that are certified and actively employed in law enforcement or related roles, according to a Willowbrook Police Department update. New K9 graduates, as well as K9s with expired vests, are also eligible to participate.

Willowbrook received a $1,050 donation to spring for Asos's vest, which weighs between 4 and 5 pounds. Each generally has a value of between $1,795 and $2,234 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 tax-deductible donations of any denomination at www.vik9s.org or P.O. Box 9 East Taunton, MA 02718.