REIDSVILLE, N.C. (rbs news now) — The Reidsville Police Department’s K9 Holly will soon be equipped with a bullet and stab protective vest, thanks to a charitable donation from Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.

The vest, sponsored by Patrick Brady of Reidsville, will be embroidered with the sentiment “In honor of Chief Ray Gibson” and is expected to be delivered within eight to ten weeks.

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., a charity established in 2009, aims to provide protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies across the United States, a news release said.

The organization has supplied over 5,627 vests to K9s in all 50 states, valued at $6.9 million, through private and corporate donations.

The body armor provided is U.S. made, custom fitted, and National Institute of Justice certified.

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 for participation.

There are an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s in the country, the release said.

The charity organization accepts tax-deductible contributions in any amount, with a single donation of $985 sponsoring one vest.

Each vest, valued at $1,800, weighs an average of 4-5 pounds and includes a five-year warranty.

For more information or to learn about volunteer opportunities, call 508-824-6978.

Additional details and donation options are available here, or contributions can be mailed to P.O. Box 9, East Taunton, MA 02718.

Copyright 2024 by Romero Broadcasting System. All rights reserved. This material may not be reproduced, rewritten, or redistributed.