Darien Police Department’s K9 Argo has received a donation of body armor!
Darien Police Department’s K9 Argo has received a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. The vest was sponsored by an anonymous Sponsor and embroidered with the sentiment “This gift of protection provided by Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.”.
Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. is a 501c(3) charity located in East Taunton, MA 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 non-profit was established in 2009 to assist law enforcement agencies with this potentially lifesaving body armor for their four-legged K9 officers. Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provided over 3,000 protective vests in 50 states, through private and corporate donations, at a value of $5.7 million dollars.
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.
K-9 “Argo” and his handler, Ofc. Amanda Hinkley, are currently assigned to the patrol division. The K-9 Team is certified in Narcotics Detection and Tracking.