Cranston's K9 Zeus to Get Bulletproof Vest Thanks to Boy Scouts

CRANSTON, RI—One of the city's most loyal and dedicated—and furry—officers is getting a new bullet- and stab-proof vest thanks to a nonprofit and some local Boy Scouts who raised money.

K9 "Zeus" will be getting his new equipment in about eight to 10 weeks after it is custom made by Armor Express in Central Lake, MI.

Zues, a purebred Czechoslovakian Shepherd, is getting the extra protection after a donation from the nonprofit Vested Interest in K9s. The vest was sponsored by Max Hempe of Boy Scout Troop 1, Kingston, and it will be embroidered with "Gift from Troop 1 Kingston, RI BSA."

“K9 safety and protection is critical to our agency and newly enhanced K9 unit. The department K9’s Zeus, Lex and Blesk are deployed under some of the most dangerous and difficult situations and deserve the highest level of protection," said Cranston Police Major Todd Patalano, chief of administrative services. "This will provide K9 Zeus with the layer of protection that all police K9’s deserve and we are grateful to have a relationship with organizations such as Vested Interest."

Vested Interest in K9s is based in East Tanuton, MA. Their stated mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to law enforcement dogs across the United States.

So far, since its founding in 2009, 1,700 vests in 49 states have been delivered at a cost of about $1.6 million.

Each vest costs about $1,050 to donate and is valued at $1,795 to $2,234. They come with a five-year warranty and weight anywhere from 4 to 65 pounds.

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provides information, lists events, and accepts tax-deductible donations of any denomination at http://www.vik9s.org or mailed to P.O. Box 9 East Taunton, MA 02718.