K9 Tazz has been assigned to Trooper First Class Matthew Weber at Troop F in Westbrook for three years. K9 Tazz is a four-and-a-half year old German Shepherd trained in all aspects of patrol including tracking, evidence recovery, handler protection, criminal apprehension and obedience. 

     Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. is a 501c (3) charity located in East Taunton, MA., whose mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States.  The nonprofit was established in 2009 to assist law enforcement agencies with this potentially lifesaving body armor for their four -legged K9 partners.  Through private and corporate donations, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided more than 2,900 protective vests in all 50 states at a value of $5.7 million.

     The program is open to dogs actively employed in the U.S. with law enforcement or related agencies who are certified and at least 20 months of age. New K9 graduates, as well as K9s with expired vests, are eligible to participate.

     The suggested donation to provide one protective vest for a law enforcement K9 is $950.00. Each vest has an average weight of 4-5 pounds, a value between $1,744–$2,283 and a five-year warranty. There is an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s throughout the United States. For more information or to learn about volunteer opportunities, please call 508-824-6978. Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provides information, lists events, and accepts tax-deductible donations of any denomination at www.vik9s.org or mailed to P.O. Box 9, East Taunton, MA 02718.