North Branford Police Department (NBPD) K9 Hanz has been awarded a ballistic

vest, thanks to nonprofit Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. and support generated for the nonprofit by a Connecticut Color Breed Association (Glastonbury) fundraiser.

The vest will be embroidered with the sentiment, "This gift of protection provided by Vested Interest in K9s, Inc." Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. is a 501c (3) charity located in East Taunton, MA.  Its mission is to provide protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States. Each vest costs $1050 and has a 5-year warranty. The organization orders the U.S.-made vests exclusively from distributor Regency Police Supply in Hyannis, MA, which also does the custom embroidery on the body armor. Vests are manufactured by Armor Express in Central Lake, MI.

NBPD Sgt. Mario Bernardo, protecting the citizens of North Branford since 2006, was first teamed together with his K9 partner Hanz in 2013 to provide a new level of service and protection. Hanz, a two year-old German Shepherd, graduated from the Conn. State Police K-9 Academy in Dec. 2013, after 16 weeks of extensive training. Sgt. Bernardo and K9 Hanz have been involved in many felony arrests. The team is always available 24/7 to assist the NBPD as well as

surrounding town requests.

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. was established in 2009 to assist law enforcement agencies with this potentially lifesaving body armor for their four legged K9 Officers. Since 2009, through private and corporate sponsorships, the non-profit has provided over 1420 law enforcement dogs in 49 states with protective vests at a total cost of over $1.3 million. New K9 graduates as well as K9s with expired vests are eligible to participate. The program is open to law enforcement dogs who are US employed, certified and at least 19 months of age.

For more information  on Vested Interest in K9s or to learn about volunteer opportunities, call (508) 824-6978. Tax-deductible donations accepted via mail to: Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. P.O. Box 9 East Taunton, MA 02718 or online at www.vik9s.org , where the organization's signature tank top is available for a $20 donation (proceeds will provide bullet-and stab-protective vests for police dogs actively working without the potentially lifesaving equipment).