$11,000 raised for New Castle Co. police dog vests

NEW CASTLE, Del. (WPVI) -- The New Castle County Police Department's canines now have ballistic vests to protect them while on duty.

The nonprofit organization, Vested Interests in K9's Inc, raised $11,000 through calendar sales to purchase the equipment.

Department canines Ace, Diesel, Loki, Max, Figo and Monty each received one.

The vests will protect them from bullet and stab wounds while assisting their partners during police calls.

Through private and corporate sponsorships, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provided over 1,346 law enforcement dogs in 49 states with protective vests since 2009 at a cost of over $1.2 million.

New K-9 graduates as well as K-9's with expired vests are eligible to participate.

The program is open to law enforcement dogs who are US employed, certified and at least 19 months of age.

For more information or to learn about volunteer opportunities, please call 508-824-6978.