Lawrence sheriff’s K-9 gets body armor

The Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department’s K-9, Dino (pictured with Sheriff Chuck Jackson), received a donation of body armor in memory of Sgt. Joe Wojtowicz, who died last year.

By Lilly Adkins

BSN Associate Editor

LOUISA — The Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department’s K-9, Dino, received a donation of body armor in memory of Sgt. Joe Wojtowicz, who died last year.

Wojtowicz, who was a deputy with the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office at the time of his death on Sept. 18, 2021, had over 30 years of experience in law enforcement, working as a deputy in Taney County, Mo., and Martin County, and a correctional officer in Jefferson County.

He joined the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office in 2019 as sergeant with the duties of transport, paper service, court security and grant writing.

Dino received a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from the non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9’s, Inc.

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. The 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 4,538 vests to K9s in all 50 states at a value of $6.9 million, made possible by both private and corporate donations.

The program is open to U.S. dogs that are at least 20 months old and actively employed and certified with law enforcement or related agencies. Police dogs 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 $960 will sponsor one vest. Each vest has a value of $1,744-$2,283, weighs an average of 4-5 lb., and comes with a five-year warranty. 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 donations at www.vik9s.org, or you may mail your contribution to P.O. Box 9, East Taunton, MA 02718.