Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. is a 501c (3) nationwide charity located in East Taunton, MA, 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. The non-profit is pleased to continue their “Healthcare for K9 Heroes” medical insurance program for 2022 which covers annual policy premiums.  Since 2016, the charity has donated over $233,068 towards medical reimbursement programs for self-funded K9 units.

Selected as 2022 recipients to date are: Rehoboth Police Department, MA, K9 Edo; Henry County Sheriff’s Office, IA, K9 Axel; Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, KY, K9 Chase; Pleasant Township Fire Department, OH, K9 Sasha; Roosevelt County Sheriff’s Office, MT, K9 Hati; Shelbyville Police Department, KY, K9 J.C.; Muscogee County School District Police Department, GA, K9 Buddy; Knoxville Police Department, IA, K9 Rosko; Benton Police Department, KS, K9 Rocky; Caribou Police Department, ME, K9 Ace; Newington Police Department, NH, K9 Augie; Washington County Sheriff’s Office, IA, K9 Dzamel;  Cherokee Police Department, OK, K9 Tex; Harveysburg Police Department, OH, K9 Keira

The “Healthcare for K9 Heroes” grant is awarded to departments which have the financial burden of raising funds to support their K9 unit, which have no more than three K9s, and which have previously been awarded a vest through Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. Law enforcement dogs ages two through seven are eligible. The annual medical reimbursement insurance policy, administered by Trupanion, will cover illnesses, injuries—including those sustained in the line of duty—diagnostic testing and therapies.  The plan allows the freedom to use any licensed veterinarian, specialty center, or emergency hospital in the United States.

Trupanion, a leader in medical insurance for cats and dogs, offers injury and illness coverage for working and service dogs – both on and off duty. For nearly two decades, Trupanion has given pet owners and working dog owners peace of mind so they can focus on their dog’s recovery, not financial stress. Trupanion is honored to support these brave K9 heroes and is committed to providing the highest value in medical insurance to help them receive the best veterinary care.

In addition to the healthcare reimbursement program, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided over 4,500 law enforcement dogs with U.S. made, custom-fitted, NIJ certified bullet and stab-protective vests in 50 states, at a value of over $6.9 million dollars. For more information, please call 508-824-6978. Tax-deductible donations accepted via mail to: Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. P.O. Box 9 East Taunton, MA 02718 or via the website: www.vik9s.org.

On 04/04/2022, at approximately 10:51PM, Ptlm. Paulo Mendes was monitoring traffic on Tremont St. at Chartley Plaza.  At this time, he observed a white Chevy Silverado with a Massachusetts registration traveling south on Park St. (Rte. 118).  He estimated this vehicle to be traveling at a speed well in excess of the posted 35mph speed limit.  Ptlm. Mendes was unable to confirm the vehicle’s speed and began following it.  The vehicle made a right turn onto Fairview Ave. and again its speed exceeded the posted 35mph speed limit.  At one point the vehicle’s speed was in excess of 80mph.  While Ptlm. Mendes was following the Chevy Silverado he noted that the vehicle did not stay in its lane of travel.  He also observed the vehicle come extremely close to striking several utility poles.  Sgt. James Casey posted on Fairview Ave. and Anawan St.  As we approached the intersection Sgt. Casey was able to deploy stop sticks and the vehicle hit them.   

After hitting the stop sticks the vehicle continued on Fairview Ave. and made a left turn onto Firetower Rd.  After turning onto Firetower Rd. the vehicle left the roadway and crashed into a ditch.  Following this the operator who was identified as 35-year-old Monique Hines of 148 Lindsey St. in Attleboro was taken into custody.  A subsequent investigation determined that Ms. Hines had been operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of an alcoholic beverage.  Ms. Hines was transported to the station where she was booked. 

Ms. Hines was ordered to be held without bail due to an arrest warrant.  She is scheduled to be in Taunton District Court on the following charges: (1) OUI liquor third offense. (2) Operating a motor vehicle as to endanger.  (3) Failure to stop for police.  (4) Resisting arrest.  (5) Operating a motor vehicle with a suspended driver’s license due to an OUI.    

Rehoboth PD will be participating in the upcoming national drug take back initiative taking place on April 30th 2022 from 10am-2pm at the Rehoboth Police Department. Feel free to pass the information along to town residents, friends and neighbors.  The event is is aimed at ridding households of dangerous expired, unused, prescription drugs. We cannot accept liquids, needles, or sharps, only pills or patches. The event will take place rain or shine outside in the front of Rehoboth Police Station. The service is free and anonymous.  Further info. and additional locations for those interested can be found at www.DEATakeBack.com.

Rehoboth Police Department’s K9 Edo has received a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. K9 Edo’s vest was embroidered with the sentiment “This gift of protection provided by Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.”.

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., established in 2009, is a 501(c)(3) 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, custom fitted, and NIJ certified. Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided over 4,563 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, weighs an average of 4-5 lb., and comes with a five-year warranty. For more information, or to learn about volunteer opportunities, please call 508-824-6978. Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provides information, lists events, and accepts donations at www.vik9s.org, or you may mail your contribution to P.O. Box 9, East Taunton, MA 02718.

Rehoboth Police Department’s K9 Edo will receive a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. K9 Edo’s vest 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., established in 2009, is a 501(c)(3) 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, custom fitted, and NIJ certified. Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided over 4,481 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, weighs an average of 4-5 lb., and comes with a five-year warranty. For more information, or to learn about volunteer opportunities, please call 508-824-6978. Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provides information, lists events, and accepts donations at www.vik9s.org, or you may mail your contribution to P.O. Box 9, East Taunton, MA 02718.