Indiana State Police K9 Oswald Receives Body Armor Donation

K9 Oswald is a two-and-a-half-year-old german shepherd assigned to Master Trooper Jason Hankins.

ISP K9 Oswald. Photo provided.

(Versailles, Ind.) - Indiana State Police K9 Oswald has received a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from nonprofit organization Vested Interest in K9's, Inc.

Oswald's vest was sponsored by Dillon Davidson of Double D Property Maintenance and Snow Removal in Milan and embroidered with the sentiment "This gift of protection provided by The Davidson's".  

K9 Oswald is a two-and-a-half-year-old german shepherd assigned to Master Trooper Jason Hankins. Master Trooper Hankins and Oswald have been patrolling the Indiana State Police-Versailles District since January 2024.

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 National Institute of Justice (NIJ) certified. 

Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided over 6,120 vests valued at $6.9 million to K9s in all 50 states, made possible by both private and corporate donations. 

The program is open to U.S. dogs at least 20 months old and actively employed and certified with law enforcement or related agencies. K9s with expired vests are also eligible to participate. There are an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s throughout the United States.

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., accepts tax-deductible contributions in any amount, while a single donation of $1,050 will sponsor one vest. Each vest has a value of $1,800, weighs an average of 4-5 lbs., and comes with a five-year warranty.

For more information, visit www.vik9s.org.