MONDAY, August 31, 2026|
Photo – Badge – Courtesy CCSO
A Massachusetts‑based K9 police outfitter donated body armor to the Carbon County Sheriff’s Office.
On Friday morning, Sheriff Alex Bakken announced on social media that Vested Interest in K9s donated a stab‑ and bullet‑resistant vest for K9 officer Thresher. Sheriff Bakken wrote that Thresher’s vest will be embroidered with the phrase “Honoring those who served and sacrificed.”
Headquartered in East Taunton, Massachusetts, the 501(c)(3) registered charity Vested Interest in K9s has donated more than 6,630 protective vests to K9 officers in all 50 states. Every vest is custom fitted, certified by the National Institute of Justice, and made in the United States. The organization also provides NARCAN and xylazine response kits. Xylazine is a tranquilizer used in veterinary medicine to sedate animals and is often mixed with fentanyl and heroin. Because xylazine is not an opioid, NARCAN does not reverse its effects, requiring a separate safety kit.
Sheriff Bakken wrote that Vested Interest in K9s accepts tax-deductible cash donations and that a $1,050 contribution will buy a K9 officer a $1,800 protective vest.
For more information or to make a donation, call Vested Interest in K9s at (508) 824-6978 or visit www.vik9s.org.
Sheriff Bakken stated that Thresher is expected to receive his custom‑fitted ballistic vest within ten weeks.
