YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – The Youngstown State University Police Department’s K9, Barkley, has been outfitted with a bullet- and stab-protective vest through the nonprofit Vested Interest in K9s Inc. and a donation from Dan Laufman of Canfield.
The custom-fitted vest, embroidered with the words “In memory of Aunt Mimi,” arrived this month, and Barkley wears it while assisting officers on campus and in the community.
“K9 Barkley is an important member of our department, and this vest ensures he has the same level of protection as our human officers,” said police Chief Shawn Varso. “We’re deeply thankful to Mr. Laufman and to Vested Interest in K9s for making this possible.”
Founded in 2009, Vested Interest in K9s has provided thousands of protective vests and other equipment to working dogs nationwide. Each vest is made in the United States, National Institute of JusticeI-certified and comes with a five-year warranty.
To date, the organization has donated more than 6,225 vests to law enforcement dogs across the country, a total value of nearly $7 million. The program is sustained through private and corporate giving, with donations as low as $1 accepted and $1,050 sponsoring one full vest.
For more information about the program, click HERE.