EAST ST. LOUIS - East St. Louis Police Department K9 Zeke is expected to receive a bullet- and stab-protective vest within 10 weeks through a charitable donation from Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., the department and the nonprofit said.
The vest was sponsored by the 2025 Fallen K9 Hero Fundraiser hosted by Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. and will be embroidered with the sentiment, “In memory of the K9s who served and sacrificed in 2025.”
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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. The organization said the body armor is U.S.-made, custom-fitted, and National Institute of Justice certified.
Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided more than 6,348 vests valued at $6.9 million to K9s in all 50 states, made possible by private and corporate donations, the organization said.
The program is open to U.S. dogs at least 20 months old, actively employed, and certified with law enforcement or related agencies. K9s with expired vests are also eligible, the organization said.
Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. said it accepts tax-deductible contributions in any amount. A single donation of $1,050 will sponsor one vest, the organization said, and each vest has a value of $1,800, weighs an average of 4 to 5 pounds and comes with a five-year warranty.
Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provides information, lists events, and accepts donations at www.vik9s.org (http://www.vik9s.org/), or you may mail your contribution to P.O. Box 9, East Taunton, MA 02718.
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