K9 Jester Receives Donation of Body Armor
Singing River Police Department’s K9 Jester has received a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. K9 Jester’s vest is sponsored by Diana Ribera of Holladay, Utah and embroidered with the sentiment “This gift of protection provided by the Ribera Family”.
“Singing River K9 Jester furthers our Mission to Improve Health and Save Lives while providing emotional support to every person he comes in contact with. Yes, he is on the job, continuously working to protect our system, yet gives our team and the community a sense of comfort while doing what he loves.”
Chief Randy Sanders, Singing River Campus Police
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 is U.S. made, custom fitted, and NIJ certified. Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided over 3,970 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.
“Jester serves not only the Singing River Health System; he also is available to be called upon by the entire county in the event he is needed. Jester is the only explosive detection dog in Jackson County, and he is also patrol certified.”
Officer Thomas Spicer, K9 Unit, Singing River Campus Police
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.
“Jester and I are proud to be a part of the community and provide specialized service whenever and wherever needed. Vested Interest in K9s awarding this vest will help us continue to Improve Health and Save Lives.”
Officer Thomas Spicer, K9 Unit, Singing River Campus Police
About Singing River Health System
Singing River Health System is the community based, a not-for-profit healthcare provider for Jackson County and surrounding areas on the Gulf Coast. As one of the county’s largest employers, the system offers award-winning, comprehensive care for every age and stage. Singing River Health System is committed to the highest quality standards and is an accredited Blue Cross Blue Shield Center of Excellence.
We provide both critical and acute health services, charitable assistance, and lead numerous educational and community outreach programs. We strengthen the local economy by recruiting more than 300 of the very best physicians and other professionals to our community while providing adequate jobs, wages, and benefits to approximately 2,400 employees and their families. Through this dedication, we help improve the health of the community while making it a better place to live and work. We are honored to be the caregiver of choice. For more information please visit www.singingriverhealthsystem.com. Stay up to date on the latest Singing River excitement by following us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, Vimeo and YouTube.