Report Prepared by: Alan Ward, Police Lieutenant
Title
SUBJECT: Acceptance of Donated Safety Vests for Police K9 Unit
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers accepting a donation of two safety vests for the police canines from Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion accepting the donation of two ballistic safety vests from Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. for the Police K9 Program.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve, as recommended by staff; or,
2. Approve, subject to other than recommended by staff (identify specific findings and/or conditions amended to be addressed in the motion); or,
3. Deny; or,
4. Refer to staff for reconsideration of specific items (specific items to be addressed in the motion); or,
5. Continue to a future meeting (date and time to be specified in the motion).
AUTHORITY
Charter of the City of Merced, Section 200.
DISCUSSION
The Merced Police Department has been awarded a donation to receive a custom fitted bullet and stab protective vests for their two canines, Tank and Sam. This generous donation is being made by the non-profit organization, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. This donation was funded by an anonymous sponsor who asked that the vests be embroidered with the sentiment: “Born to love - Trained to serve - Loyal Always”.
Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., is a 501c(3) charity located in East Taunton, MA 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. 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 over 2,800 protective vests in 50 states, through private and corporate donations, at a cost of over 2.4 million dollars.
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 $950.00. Each vest has a value between $1,744 - $2,283 and comes with a five-year warranty. The average weight of the vests is between 4-5 lbs.
There is an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s throughout the United States. Vested Interest in K9s invites the public to obtain more information, including volunteer opportunities, by calling 508-824-6978. In addition, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provides information, lists events, and accepts tax-deductible donations of any denomination at www.vik9s.org <http://www.vik9s.org/> or mailed to P.O. Box 9 East Taunton, MA 02718.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
No appropriation of funds is needed.
ATTACHMENTS
None