YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – The Youngstown State University Police Department’s police dog, Barkley, will receive a bullet and stab-protective vest from nonprofit organization Vested Interest in K9s Inc. through a charitable donation.
Barkley’s vest was sponsored by Dan Laufman of Canfield and will be embroidered with “In memory of Aunt Mimi.” Delivery is expected within 10 weeks.
“This generous donation will help keep K9 Barkley, and the YSU community, safe,” said police Chief Shawn Varso. “We are honored and grateful to receive this gift from Mr. Laufman and Vested Interest in K9s.”
Vested Interest in K9s, 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 is U.S. made, custom-fitted and certified by the National Institute of Justice. Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s has provided more than 6,000 vests valued at $6.9 million to police dogs in every state, made possible by both private and corporate donations.
The program is open to U.S. dogs at least 20 months old, actively employed and certified with law enforcement or related agencies. Police dogs with expired vests are also eligible to participate. Vested Interest in K9s accepts tax-deductible contributions in any amount, while a single donation of $1,050 will sponsor one vest. Each vest has a value of $1,800, weighs about 5 pounds and comes with a five-year warranty.