Mesa County, Colo. - K9 Deni has received a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. K9 Deni’s vest was embroidered with the sentiment “In memory of Billy Domenicucci.”

“I am grateful for this donation, along with the entire leadership at the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office,” Deputy Erik Olson said. “Organizations like Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. are so valuable in supporting law enforcement in the protection of our K9 partners.”

K9 Deni is a 5-year-old shepherd mix certified in narcotics detection. He is partnered with Deputy Erik Olson of the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office. K9 Deni became a member of the agency in October 2022 and has already assisted in the seizure of over 230 lbs of methamphetamine, 11 kilograms of cocaine, six kilos of fentanyl powder, and almost 500,000 illicit fentanyl pills.

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 National Institute of Justice (NIJ) certified. Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided over 6,513 vests valued at $6.9 million to K9s in all 50 states, made possible by both private and corporate donations.

The program is open to U.S. dogs 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 $1,050 will sponsor one vest. Each vest has a value of $1,800.00, weighs an average of 4-5 lbs., 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.