FREEPORT, Ill. — An Illinois K9 officer, Ralf, is among the latest police dogs to receive a bullet- and stab-resistant vest from a charity that provides them to thousands of dogs.

The Stephenson County Sheriff’s Office announced that Ralf will receive his protective vest from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. 

Specifically, K9 Ralf’s vest is sponsored by Lambert Ezell Durham Architecture, LLC of Florence, Ala. and will be embroidered with the sentiment “This gift of protection provided by LED Architecture.” 

Delivery is expected within eight to ten weeks. 

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., established in 2009, is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) charity whose mission is to provide protective vests and other assistance to law enforcement dogs and related agencies throughout the United States. 

This “potentially lifesaving” body armor for four-legged K9 officers is U.S. made, custom fitted, and NIJ certified. 

Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided over 5,350 vests to K9s in all 50 states at a value of $6.9 million, made possible by both private and corporate donations.