Valparaiso Police K9s Receive Bullet Proof Vests

VPD-K9-Bullet-Proof-VestsValparaiso Police Chief Michael Brickner announced Thursday the purchase of new K9 bullet proof vests for the department’s K9s. Currently, the department has four K9s and all four dogs will receive the vests. K9 Rico and K9 Sabre have each received their vests and both are being used currently.

The funding for the vests was obtained through a national organization, Vested Interest in K9s Inc. The organization’s mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States. Vested Interest in K9 Inc. is a 501c organization that collects donations from the public and then distributes the funding to law enforcement agencies. You can visit their website at www.vik9s.org for more information.

The Valparaiso Police Department is the first law enforcement agency in the region to receive the bullet proof vests. The cost of each vest is $950 bringing the four vest total to $3,800.

“I would like to commend Officer Todd Kobitz, (K9 coordinator) for taking real ownership in the department’s K9 program and building a relationship with Vested Interest in K9s Inc to secure the funding/donation for the new vests,” explained Chief Brickner.

For photos of the announcement visit the department’s Facebook page.