CLARKSVILLE, IN (August 6, 2021) – A local Police Officer will soon be a bit safer when protecting the streets of Clarksville, but this is no ordinary officer.  This officer does his policing on four legs.

K-9 Argo is a German Shepherd/Belgian Malinois mix imported from Poland. The 2-year-old officer has been working with his partner, Officer Thomas Bamforth since September of 2020.  Thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., Argo will soon receive a bullet and stab protective vest, will make working the streets much safer for Argo for years to come.

Argo’s vest is sponsored by Don and Misty Fike, of the Donald E. Fike Family Foundation. The vest will be embroidered with the sentiment “Born to Love-Trained to Serve-Loyal Always”.  Delivery is expected within eight to ten weeks.

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., established in 2009, is a charity whose mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States. This potentially lifesaving body armor for four-legged K9 officers is U.S. made and custom fitted. Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided over 4,327 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. K9s 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, Inc. 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.

If you would like to make a donation to Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., please visit them at www.vik9s.org.  Or you may mail your contribution to P.O. Box 9, East Taunton, MA 02718.