East Peoria Police K9 Luna to receive donated body armor

EAST PEORIA, Ill. – A local police K9 is getting new life-saving protection thanks to a charitable donation from a national nonprofit.

K9 Luna of the East Peoria Police Department will receive a bullet and stab protective vest donated by Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. The vest will be embroidered with the tribute “In memory of Detective Bob Vester.” Delivery is expected within ten weeks.

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. is a nonprofit established in 2009 with a mission to provide protective vests and other assistance to law enforcement dogs across the United States. Since its founding, the organization has donated more than 6,600 vests valued at nearly 6.9 million dollars to K9s in all 50 states.

Each vest is American-made, custom fitted and certified by the National Institute of Justice. The vests weigh between four and five pounds and carry a five-year warranty, with an individual vest valued at $1,800.

Those interested in donating or learning more can visit vik9s.org.