Turkey Creek Police Department’s K9 Balu has received donation of body armor

Turkey Creek Police Department’s K9 Balu has received a bullet and stab protective
vest thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s,
Inc. K9 Balu’s vest was sponsored by Dr. Robin Ballina of Shakopee, MN and
embroidered with the sentiment “In memory of K9 Luna, Duluth, MN- EOW 2/26/21”.
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 4,301 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 and 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.

Turkey Creek Police Department would like to thank everyone involved
with assisting with keeping the narcotics off of our streets and out of
our homes. We would also like to thank the community for their
continued trust in the Department and that we continue to keep the
community safe.