'K9s Are Officers Too': Romeoville PD Dog Gets Protective Vest

ROMEOVILLE, IL — The Romeoville Police Department's four-legged member will receive a bullet and stab-protective vest from a nonprofit that provides assistance to law enforcement dogs across the country.

Rood, an almost 2-year-old Belgian Malinois, started working with the Romeoville police in August. According to K9 officer Jason Jadura, he is a "high-energy dog who loves to work."

"He gets super excited when it’s time to go to work, he runs right to the squad and jumps at his door. He loves tennis balls and going for walks," Jadura said.

In order to ensure Rood could continue doing what he loved while being protected, Jadura said he applied online to get qualified for a vest from Vested Interest in K9s. Once the organization secured funding from a couple in Arizona, it contacted Jadura to inform him that Rood had been selected.

"The vest is important because it will protect his [Rood's] vital organs just like the vests we wear to protect us," he said. "Rood has never had anything like this before."

Since its inception in 2009, Vested Interest in K9s has provided over 4,101 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.

K9's 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 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.

Rood's vest will be embroidered with the words: "Honoring those who served and sacrificed." Jadura said the vest will arrive within 8-10 weeks.

"K9s are officers too and need the same protection. All working K9’s should have one of these vests," he said.

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