Five VADOC K-9s receive new custom-fitted body armor

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- The Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC) received five new bullet and stab-protective police dog vests thanks to a donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.

K-9s Aika, Black Jack, Chase, Chica and Fika's new custom-fitted gear is National Institute of Justice certified and valued at $1,800 each, according to VADOC.

The five K-9s receiving new protective body armor. (Photo: Virginia Department of Corrections)

Each is embroidered with the sentiment: “In memory of K9 Rivan, Virginia DOC, EOW 4-2-24.”

Rivan, a VADOC K-9, was stabbed and kicked to death while protecting his handler from a violent encounter with inmates at a Virginia Prison in April 2024, according to authorities.

Since its inception in 2009, the non-profit charity organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., has provided protective body armor, medical supplies, and other forms of assistance to law enforcement dogs throughout the country.

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So far, the non-profit has supplied over 6,405 ballistic vests for working dogs through both private and corporate donations, according to their website.

The Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., program is open to U.S. dogs at least 20 months old who are actively employed and certified with law enforcement or related agencies.

For more information on their program, including donations, sponsorship and volunteer opportunities, call 508-824-6978 or click here.