STRUTHERS A K9 with the Struthers Police Department will receive a new bulletproof and stabproof vest courtesy of a non-profit organization.

K9 Grimm will receive the brand-new protective gear thanks to a donation from non-profit Vested Interest In K9s, a Massachusetts-based non-profit with a mission of providing bullet and stab-protective vests to K9s across the country.

Since its inception in 2009, Vested Interest In K9s has provided over 6,225 vests valued at $6.9 million to K9s in all 50 states. This was made possible through both private and corporate donations.

Each vest is valued at $1,800, weighs about four to five pounds and comes with a five-year warranty. 

The program is open to K9s at least 20 months old, actively employed and certified with law enforcement or related agencies. K9s with expired vests are also eligible to participate.

The non-profit accepts tax-deductible contributions in any amount, while a single donation of $1,050 will sponsor one vest.