Cranston police K9s receive donated protective vests

CRANSTON, R.I. — Three K9s with the Cranston Police Department now have new bullet- and stab-protective vests thanks to a charitable donation.

K9s Odin, Beny and Tyr each received the gear from Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., a nonprofit that provides body armor to police dogs across the country.

Vests honor service and memory

Each vest includes custom embroidery.

Odin’s vest was sponsored by a Charlestown donor named Nancy Scime. It reads, “Born to Love – Trained to Serve – Loyal Always.”

Beny’s vest honors Chris Carmela. Tyr’s vest honors K9 Zeus, a Cranston police dog who died in 2024.

Nonprofit provides lifesaving gear

Vested Interest in K9s was founded in 2009. The group focuses on protecting police dogs.

The vests are made in the United States. They are custom-fitted and certified by the National Institute of Justice.

So far, the nonprofit has provided more than 6,000 vests nationwide.

Who qualifies for the program

The program is open to working police dogs that are at least 20 months old.

Dogs with expired vests may also qualify for replacements.

Each vest costs about $1,800. It weighs between four and five pounds and includes a five-year warranty.

Donations support the program

The nonprofit depends on donations to fund its work.

Police say the vests add an extra layer of protection. K9s are often sent into dangerous situations with officers.