South Bend K9s Troy and Teddy get body armor donation

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- The South Bend Police Department announced on Friday that two of the department's finest, K9 officers Troy and Teddy, have received bullet and stab protective vests from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s.

Teddy’s vest was sponsored by John and Molly Shirk of Redmond, WA and embroidered with the sentiment “This gift of protection provided by Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.”

Troy’s vest was sponsored by Vested Interest in K9s and embroidered with the sentiment “Born to Love-Trained to Serve-Loyal Always."

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," the organization said. "Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided over 5,707 vests to K9s in all 50 states at a value of $6.9 million, made possible by both private and corporate donations."