SCSO K9 Unit to Receive Bullet-Proof Vests

TYLER — The Smith County Sheriff’s Office K9 Unit will receive two bullet-proof vests, thanks to a nationwide Groupon Event. The Sheriff’s Office says two dogs, Lanny and Endy, will receive their vests, which will protect them from both stabbings and bullets, in approximately 14 weeks. The “Occasions” campaign for Groupon Grassroots, which was launched to outfit police K9s with bullet and stab protective vests, runs through March 5th.

Vested Interest in K9’s Inc. is the nationwide non-profit organization and charity partner selected by Groupon Grassroots to participate. The online $10 donation was a recommendation for interested persons to purchase a GROUPON (a tax deductible donation) through the secure website, where all funds were allocated to purchase ballistic vests for law enforcement K9s. In 2013, Vested Interest in K9s Inc. partnered with Groupon and was named as one of “The Best of 2013” campaigns. The non-profit raised $155,537.33 in one week, which provided ballistic vests for 163 law enforcement dogs in 30 states. There are an estimated 30,000 police dogs throughout the United States.