Walnut Creek K-9 Is Recipient Of Body Armor Donation

WALNUT CREEK, CA — K9 Zeke of the Walnut Creek Police Department will receive a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation.

The vest through the nonprofit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. was sponsored by Cheryl Hopper of Hebron, Indiana, and will be embroidered with the sentiment "In memory of Arthur L Zimmerman."

This potentially lifesaving body armor for four-legged K9 officers is U.S.-made, custom-fitted and National Institute of Justice (NIJ)-certified.

Delivery is expected within 10 weeks, the Walnut Creek Police Department said.

In March 2024, K9 Timber of Walnut Creek PD was the recipient of a Vested Interest vest.

The 501c3 charity provides vests for U.S. dogs 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.

Since its inception in 2009, the organization has provided over 5,970 vests valued at $6.9 million to K9s in all 50 states made possible by both private and corporate donations.

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. accepts tax-deductible contributions in any amount. A single donation of $1,050 will sponsor one valued at $1,800. The vests weigh 4-5 pounds and have a five-year warranty.