Toms River Police K-9s Kylo, Riggs To Receive Protective Vests

TOMS RIVER, NJ — Toms River's newest K-9 officers will be receiving protective vests thanks to community members and the charitable organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.

K-9 Kylo, whose handler is Officer Richard Buhowski, and K-9 Riggs, whose handler is Officer Christopher Inglis, joined the Toms River Police Department in January 2020, giving Toms River five K-9 pairings in the department.

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 K-9 officers is U.S. made, custom-fitted, and NIJ certified. Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided more than 4,101 vests to K-9s 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.

K-9 Kylo’s vest is sponsored by Michael Carafa of Manasquan Bank and will be embroidered with the sentiment "This gift of protection provided by Manasquan Bank."

K-9 Riggs’s vest is sponsored by Ortley Beach Moose Lodge 399 of Seaside Heights and will be embroidered with the sentiment "Gifted by Ortley Beach Moose Lodge #399."

Delivery is expected within eight to 10 weeks.

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-$2,283, weighs an average of 4 to 5 pounds 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.

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