K9 Taz Will Get Body Armor
Alexandria Police Department Dog Gets Special Donation
Photo: Alexandria Police Department
Alexandria, VA – Taz, a 2-year old German Shepherd, is about to get his very own bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation through Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. His vest, sponsored by the Reys of Alexandria, will be embroidered with the words, “Gifted by Chuck and Cathy Rey”
Assigned to Officer Kyle Russel, K-9 Taz is a two-year old German Shepherd who was imported from Hungary. He became a member of the Alexandria Police Department in April 2019 and began his formal police training in May 2019. Taz has completed over 800 hours of training in patrol, special operations, and narcotics.
He loves to work but also enjoys going for walks in the woods, playing ball, and spending time with his retired older brother K-9 Chance who retired in 2019 from police work. K-9 Taz strongly dislikes baths and being groomed.
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 NIJ certified. Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided over 3,917 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, 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 $960 will sponsor one vest. Each vest has a value of $1,744-$2,283, weighs an average of 4-5 lb., and comes with a five-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 your contribution to P.O. Box 9, East Taunton, MA 02718.
