WOODMERE, Ohio — The Woodmere Village Police Department's K9, Revan will be the recipient of a bullet and stab protective vest donated by the non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.
Revan's vest will be embroidered with the statement, "In memory of Officer Jason Lagore and K9Ranger, ODNR." Ohio Department of Natural Resource Officer Jason Lagore died while responding to a call at Rocky Fork State Park on February 23.
K-9 Officer Raven was born on November 12, 2018. He is expected to receive the vest in a couple of months.
The vests for the K9s are custom fitted and certified by National Institute of Justice, the governing body that oversees performance standards and testing for ballistic armor.
Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided over 4,652 vests to K9s in all 50 states at a value of $6.9 million from private and corporate donations.
Vests are available to all United States dogs that are at least 20 months old and actively employed and certified with law enforcement or related agencies.
K9s with expired vests are eligible to receive new vests.
There are an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s throughout the United States.
Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. was established in 2009 and is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit whose mission is to proved bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States.
Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. accepts tax deductible contributions in any amount, while a single donation of $960.00 will sponsor one vest. Each vest has a value of $1,744.00-$2,283.00. The vests weigh an average of 4-5 lbs., and comes with a five-year warranty.
For more information or to learn about volunteer opportunities, you call 508-824-6978. Vested Interest K9s. Inc. provides information, lists events, and accepts donations at wwwvik9s.org. Interested parties can mail contributions to P.O. Box 9, East Taunton, MA 02718.
*Editor's Note: The video in the player above is from a previous report.
