New Cranston K-9s to receive bullet, stab-proof vests

CRANSTON, R.I. (WLNE) — The Cranston Police Department said their two newest K-9s will be receiving a special donation of body armor.

The department said Ryken and Czar are the departments newest recruits for their K-9 team.

A non-profit organization called Vested Interest in K-9s Inc. donates special body armor for police dogs all over the nation.

They said there are over 30,000 police K-9s in the country and protecting them is vital to the success of police operations.

The vests will be stab-proof as well as bullet-proof and embroidered with the sentiment “In memory of K-9 Lex,” the department said.

The Vested Interest program is available to U.S. dogs that are at least 20 months of age and are actively employed with a police department. K-9s with expired vests are also able to take advantage of this program.

“This relationship and level of collaboration with Vested Interests has helped us provide essential safety for our K-9s — which will last for years and continue to provide effective K-9 backup for officers,” the department said.

For more information on Vested Interests in K-9s Inc. click here.