BEAUFORT COUNTY, N.C. (WITN) – A nonprofit organization donated lifesaving body armor to a K9 officer.

The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office announced that K9 Tinnus will receive a bullet-and-stab-protective vest thanks to a donation from a non-profit organization.

K9 Tinnus’ vest is sponsored by Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. and will be embroidered with the sentiment “In memory of K9 Hobbs, Des Moines, IA EOW 12/12/23″.

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. is a charity that was established in 2009 with the sole mission of providing protective vests and other assistance to law enforcement dogs and related agencies throughout the United States.

These vests are designed to potentially save the lives of our four-legged K9 officers. They are U.S.-made, custom-fitted, and NIJ-certified.

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided over 5,597 vests to K9s in all 50 states, valued at $6.9 million. This achievement is made possible by both private and corporate donations.

A single donation of $985 will sponsor one vest. Although each vest has a value of $1800.00, weighs an average of 4-5 pounds, and comes with a five-year warranty.

K9s with expired vests are also eligible to participate.

There are 30,000 law enforcement K9s throughout the United States.

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provides information, lists events, and accepts donations at www.vik9s.org.