LPD K-9s to receive ballistic vests

The Lima PoliceDepartment  K9s Bailey, Bern, Rocky and Diego have been awarded a ballistic vest thanks to a nonprofit organization, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.,is a Massachusetts based nonprofit organization and Armor Express, a Michigan based manufacturer. An incentive program offered by Armor Express of Central Lake, MI. to Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided 19 law enforcement dogs in the 8 states with ballistic vests. For every 15 vests purchased by the charity, a free vest was awarded. Vests were donated to K9's in Indiana, Illinois, North Carolina, New Mexico, Ohio, Minnesota, Texas and South Carolina. 

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 for law enforcement dogs throughout the United States. Each vest costs $950.00 and has a 5 year warranty. The non-profit was established in 2009 to assist law enforcement agencies with this potentially life saving body armor for their four legged K9 officers. Through private and corporate sponsorships, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided over 930 law enforcement dogs with protective vests since their inception in August of 2009. Over $880,000 in K9 vests have been donated in 39 states including Alaska and Hawaii.

The organization orders the Armor Express vests made in Central Lake, MI exclusively from distributor Regency Supply in Hyannis, MA. who also does the custom embroidery on the body armor.

New K9 graduates as well as K9's with expired vests are eligible to apply for the ballistic vests. The program is open to US employed and certified K9's who are at least 19 months of age.

For more information visit www.vik9s.org or call 508-824-6978. Donations by mail to Vested Interest in K9's P.O. Box 9, East Taunton, MA. 02718 or via the website.

Here is a short BIO about each dog who will be receiving a vest:

Bailey:  K-9 Bailey is a 5 year old German Shepherd.  He is narcotic / patrol certified and has been assigned to Sgt. Nick Hart since 2010.  He was purchased from Vonderhaus Gill in Uniopolis Ohio.  Bailey loves his job and is a top narcotics detector K-9 in the area.  K-9 Bailey has 189 criminal apprehensions resulting in more than 230 criminal charges.

Bern:  K-9 Bern is a 6.5 year old German Shepherd and imported from overseas.  He was purchased from Vonderhaus Gill in Uniopolis in 2010.  He is a dual purpose K9 certified in patrol and narcotics.  Bern is assigned to Patrolman John Dunham.  This is the 2nd K9 that Patrolman Dunham has had.  K-9 Bern loves to go for walks and car rides when he is not working, and loves to play with kong toys!

Diego:  K-9 Diego is a 3.5 year old German Shepherd.  He is certified in patrol and narcotics and is assigned to Patrolman Amy Glanemann.  Diego was purchased from Vonderhaus Gill in Uniopolis in 2013. Diego has a strong dislike for suspects attempting to hurt his handler and suspects trying to flee.  

Rocky:  K-9 Rocky is a 6 year old German Shepherd.  He is certified in Patrol and Narcotics.  He is assigned to Patrolman Randy Tigner.  They have been together since 2009 and are assigned to first shift.  Rocky was purchased from Vonderhaus Gill, and was imported from overseas.  Rocky has a great disposition but can quickly become an intense working dog.  He has a dislike towards anyone who tries to assault any officers near him, and is a very fast runner!