Donation will provide body armor vest for K9 Otto
Provided photo: Jeff Cole, a deputy with the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office, is pictured with Otto, the K9. Cole is the dog’s handler and they work closely together. Otto is trained in narcotics detection and tracking.
Orleans County Sheriff’s Office K9 Otto will receive a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.
K9 Otto’s vest is sponsored by Staten Island Companion Dog Training Club and will be embroidered with the sentiment “Gifted by SICDTC, Staten Island, NY”. Delivery is expected within eight to ten weeks.
Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. is a 501c (3) charity located in East Taunton, MA 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 non-profit was established in 2009 to assist law enforcement agencies with this potentially lifesaving body armor for their four-legged K9 officers. Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provided over 2,900 protective vests, in 50 states, through private and corporate donations, at a value of $5.7 million.
The program is open to dogs actively employed in the U.S. with law enforcement or related agencies who are certified and at least 20 months of age. New K9 graduates, as well as K9s with expired vests, are eligible to participate.
The donation to provide one protective vest for a law enforcement K9 is $950. Each vest has a value between $1,744 to $2,283 and a five-year warranty, and an average weight of 4-5 lbs. There is an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s throughout the United States. 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 tax-deductible donations of any denomination at www.vik9s.org or mailed to P.O. Box 9 East Taunton, MA 02718.
Orleans County Sheriff’s Office K9 Unit Otto and Deputy Cole have a strong dedication to serving and protecting the local communities within Orleans County, as well as surrounding counties. The K9 unit works well together as a team, is energetic, and loves to train together. The K9 unit also enjoys performing demonstrations at local schools and events within our community.
K9 Otto is a 3-year-old German shepherd that was imported from Holland and joined the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office on October 13, 2016. K9 Otto is certified in Narcotics through NAPWADA and NYS DCJS and Tracking through NAPWADA.
“Many thanks to Vested Interest in K9’s, Inc. for their gift,” said Sheriff Randy Bower. “We are thrilled at the opportunity to receive a Body Armor Vest for K9 Otto’s protection during service.”
