Sheriff’s Department Employee Gets Body Armor

TYLER – A donation has made it possible for a member of the Smith County Sheriff’s Department to wear body armor. The bullet and stab protective vest goes to the department K9 named “Joker.” The vest comes because of a charitable donation from a non-profit organization. The vest, which is sponsored by an anonymous sponsor, will be embroidered with the sentiment “This gift of protection provided by Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.” Delivery is expected within eight to ten weeks.

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. is a 501c (3) charity located in East Taunton, Massachusetts. Their mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States. It has been around since 2009. The program is open to dogs actively employed in the U.S. with law enforcement or related agencies who are certified and at least 20 months of age. New K9 graduates, as well as K9s with expired vests, are also eligible to participate.