St. Petersburg, FL – Two St. Petersburg police dogs will receive donated body armor that also commemorates two former department K9s.
The St. Petersburg Police Department announced October 22 that K9s Chip and Cimi are scheduled to receive vests providing protection against bullets and stabbing injuries. The nonprofit Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. sponsored both vests, with delivery expected within 10 weeks of the announcement.
Chip’s vest will carry an embroidered tribute to K9 Nero, whose end-of-watch date was August 5th, 2019. Cimi’s vest will honor K9 Titan, whose end-of-watch date was November 30th, 2021.
The equipment is manufactured in the United States and individually fitted for each dog. According to the department, each vest weighs approximately four to five pounds, has a value of $1,800 and includes a five-year warranty.
A donation of $1,050 covers sponsorship of one vest. The charity also accepts tax-deductible contributions in other amounts.
Its vest program serves certified dogs actively working for law enforcement or related agencies in the United States. Dogs must be at least 20 months old to qualify, and those with expired protective vests are also eligible.
Vested Interest in K9s was established in 2009 to provide protective equipment and other support for working police dogs nationwide.
The organization reports donating more than 6,677 ballistic vests across all 50 states. Its other assistance includes opioid reversal kits, medical first aid supplies and support for K9 medical insurance premiums.
The nonprofit says contributions, grants and fundraising events finance its programs, which also include specialized training assistance for law enforcement K9 teams.