The police department’s K9 Rosko will receive a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation
Washington Township Police Department’s K9 Rosko will receive a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. Rosko’s vest is sponsored by Environmental Industrial Services Corp. of Hopelawn, and will be embroidered with the sentiment “Born to Love — Trained to Serve — Loyal Always.” Delivery is expected within eight to 10 weeks.
K9 Rosko is a 3-year-old black and tan German Shepherd. In February 2015, Officer Jeff Kalber selected Rosko to be his partner. Rosko graduated with Class 12 of the State Police Canine Association in June 2015. Rosko is certified in scent work, obedience, apprehension work and agility. Rosko is also cross-trained to detect the odor of illegal drugs. When Rosko is not working, he enjoys spending time with his family, playing fetch and laying on the couch relaxing.
Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. is a 501c (3) charity located in East Taunton, Mass., whose mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the U.S. The non-profit was established in 2009 to assist law enforcement agencies with this potentially lifesaving body armor for their four-legged K9 officers. Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provided more than 2,400 protective vests, in 50 states, through private and corporate donations, at a cost of more than $2.1 million.
The program is open to dogs actively employed in the U.S. with law enforcement or related agencies who are certified and at least 20 months of age. New K9 graduates, as well as K9s with expired vests, are eligible to participate.
The donation to provide one protective vest for a law enforcement K9 is $1,050. Each vest has a value between $1,795 to $2,234 and a five-year warranty, and an average weight of four to five pounds. There is an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s throughout the United States.
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 tax-deductible donations of any denomination at www.vik9s.org, or mailed to P.O. Box 9 East Taunton, MA 02718.
