Sgt. Martucci, K-9 Cyrus, Ptl. Inglis, K-9 Riggs and Ptl. Carafa performed a K-9 demonstration for the Ortley Beach Moose Lodge #399 and the Ortley Beach Women of the Moose Chapter #1248. This demonstration was performed as a thank you for their generous and charitable donations to our vest program. The handlers and their K-9 partners demonstrated the K-9 abilities in obedience, agility and criminal apprehension. The Officers were able to answer questions from the members as to the day-to-day life of their partners and the duties of being a handler.
The Ortley Beach Moose Lodge #399 donated a bullet and stab protective vest to K-9 Riggs which will be embroidered “Gifted by the Ortley Beach Moose Lodge #399”. The Ortley Beach Women of the Moose Chapter #1248 made a generous and charitable donation of $1,000 to our Officer Vest Fund. On behalf of K-9 Riggs and his handler Ptl. Inglis, as well as the entire Toms River Police Department, we would like to sincerely thank the Ortley Beach Moose Lodge #399 and the Ortley Beach Women of the Moose Chapter #1248 for their extremely generous donations.
The vest that K-9 Riggs was provided is from Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. which was 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 other related agencies throughout the United States. This potentially lifesaving body armor for our four-legged K-9 officers are U.S. made, custom fitted, and NIJ certified. Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided over 4,101 vests to K-9s 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. K-9s with expired vests are also eligible to participate. There are an estimated 30,000 Law Enforcement K-9s throughout the U.S.
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 pounds, and comes with a five-year warranty. For more information, or to learn more about volunteer opportunities, please call 508-824-6978. Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provides information, listed events, and accepts donations at www.vik9s.org or you may mail your contribution to P.O. Box 9, East Taunton, MA 02718.