Jonesboro K9 Vault to Receive Protective Vest in Honor of K9 Gabo

JONESBORO, Ark. — The Jonesboro Police Department’s K9 Vault is set to receive a bullet and stab protective vest, thanks to a generous donation from the non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.

The vest, specially crafted for K9 Vault, will bear the touching inscription “In memory of K9 Gabo, Jonesboro, AR – EOW 1/16/20.” The expected delivery date for the vest is within the next eight to ten weeks.

Established in 2009, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) charity with a noble mission: to provide protective vests and other assistance to law enforcement dogs across the United States. These vests, designed to protect K9 officers from bullets and stabs, are custom-made in the U.S. and meet the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) standards. Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has distributed over 5,289 vests to K9 officers in all 50 states, with a total value of $6.9 million. This remarkable achievement has been made possible through a combination of private and corporate donations.

The program is open to law enforcement K9s across the United States, provided they are at least 20 months old and actively employed and certified with law enforcement or related agencies. K9s with expired vests are also eligible for this valuable program. With an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s working throughout the country, the work of Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. remains crucial.

Contributions to Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. are tax-deductible, and they are accepted in any amount. A single donation of $985 will sponsor one protective vest, each of which holds a value of $1,800. These vests typically weigh between 4-5 pounds and come with a five-year warranty. For those interested in more information or volunteering opportunities, they can reach out at 508-824-6978. The organization also provides information, lists events, and accepts donations through their website at www.vik9s.org, or contributions can be mailed to P.O. Box 9, East Taunton, MA 02718.

K9 Vault was purchased by First Community Bank, and his dedicated handler is K9 Officer Corey Obregon. This heartwarming initiative not only serves to protect our loyal K9 officers but also commemorates the memory of K9 Gabo.