June 12, 2025 – Charlotte County, FL
Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office K9s Leroy, Raider, Rico, And Toro To Get Donation Of Body Armor
Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office, FL, K9s Leroy, Raider, Rico, and Toro will receive bullet and stab protective vests thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. All the vests were sponsored by Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. K9 Leroy’s vest will be embroidered with the sentiment “In memory of Sgt. Elio Diaz – EOW 12/15/24”; K9 Raider’s vest will have “In memory of K9 Scar – EOW 10/1/24”; K9 Rico’s vest will have “In memory of K9 Major – EOW 10/18/88”; and K9 Toro’s vest will have “In memory of DFC Chris Taylor – EOW 11/22/22”. Delivery is expected within ten weeks.
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 K9 officers is U.S. made, custom fitted, and National Institute of Justice (NIJ) certified. Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided over 6,120 vests valued at $6.9 million to K9s in all 50 states, made possible by both private and corporate donations.
The program is open to U.S. dogs 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.
Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. accepts tax-deductible contributions in any amount, while a single donation of $1,050 will sponsor one vest. Each vest has a value of $1800.00, weighs an average of 4-5 lbs., 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.
***
“I can’t thank Vested Interest in K9s enough for all of the support they have given over the years. Our K9 members are part of our family, and thanks to this great organization, they are safer while doing their jobs to protect Charlotte County. You will also note the dedications embroidered on these vests, which will continue with new vests in the future as there are still others we will be honoring in this way.”
Sheriff Bill Prummell