Buffalo Grove Police K9 receives body armor donation
Mac, a two-year-old Sable German shepherd, joined BGPD in June of 2023, and his handler Officer Shannon McMillon has served with BGPD since 2014.
Mac supports the Police Department in the field by performing narcotics detection, tracking and locating criminal suspects and missing persons and conducting searches in different environments.
Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., established in 2009, is a 501(c)(3) charity whose mission is to provide bullet and stab-protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States. This potentially lifesaving body armor for four-legged K9 officers is U.S.-made, custom fitted and certified by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ). Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided over 5,514 vests to K9s in all 50 states at a value of $6.9 million, made possible by both private and corporate donations.
The program is open to U.S. dogs that are at least 20 months old and actively employed and certified with law enforcement or related agencies. K9s with expired vests are also eligible to participate. There are an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s throughout the United States.
Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. accepts tax-deductible contributions in any amount, while a single donation of $985 will sponsor one vest. Each vest has a value of $1,800, weighs an average of 4-5 pounds and comes with a 5-year warranty. For more information, or to learn about volunteer opportunities, please call 508-824-6978. Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provides information, lists events and accepts donations at www.vik9s.org, or you may mail contributions to P.O. Box 9, East Taunton, MA 02718.