YOUNGSTOWN Youngstown State University Police K9 Barkley will receive a bullet and stab-protective vest, thanks to a charitable donation from a non-profit organization.

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., will provide the vest, sponsored by Dan Laufman of Canfield. The vest will be embroidered with the sentiment “In memory of Aunt Mimi.” Delivery is expected within 10 weeks.

“This generous donation will help keep K9 Barkley and the YSU community safe,” Police Chief Shawn Varso said. “We are honored and grateful to receive this gift from Mr. Laufman and Vested Interest in K9s.”

Barkley, a 1 1/2-year-old German Shepherd from the Netherlands, joined the YSU Police Department in March, working alongside his handler, Officer Hope Stoner.

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., established in 2009, is a charity that provides bullet and stab-protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States. The body armor is U.S. made, custom-fitted and National Institute of Justice certified.

Since its inception, the organization has provided over 6,000 vests valued at $6.9 million to K9s in every state, made possible by private and corporate donations. The program is open to U.S. dogs at least 20 months old, actively employed and certified with law enforcement or related agencies. K9s with expired vests are also eligible.

Vested Interest in K9s accepts tax-deductible contributions in any amount. A single donation of $1,050 will sponsor one vest. Each vest has a value of $1,800, weighs an average of 4-5 pounds and comes with a five-year warranty.