Warrensburg Police Department’s K9 Negan will receive a bullet- and stab- protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from nonprofit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. K9 Negan’s vest is sponsored by The Humane Society of the United States and will be embroidered with the sentiment “Honoring those who served and sacrificed”. Delivery is expected within eight to ten weeks.
K9 Negan is a 2-1/2-year-old Belgian Malinois, certified in Patrol and Narcotics work, and is assigned to Sergeant Adam Wade in the Proactive Crimes Division. He became an officer of the Warrensburg Police Department in November 2019.
Police officials say, “He has been a great addition to the Warrensburg Police Department and the Warrensburg Community by helping to locate illegal narcotics, wanted subjects and lost children. K9 Negan is very energetic, social and very driven to complete the tasks given to him. K9 Negan spends his off time with his family. His hobbies include exercising by long walks and jogs; playing with his favorite toy- a rubber ball; and lying on his back in the sun. He loves spending time with his family.”
Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided over 4,275 vests to K9s in all 50 states at a value of $6.9 million, made possible by both private and corporate donations.
The program is open to U.S. dogs that are at least 20 months old and actively employed and certified with law-enforcement or related agencies. K9s with expired vests are also eligible to participate. There are an estimated 30,000 law-enforcement K9s throughout the United States.
Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. accepts tax-deductible contributions in any amount, and a single donation of $960 will sponsor one vest. Each vest has a value of $1,744-$2,283, weighs an average of four to five pounds and comes with a five-year warranty.
For more information, or to learn about volunteer opportunities, call (508) 824-6978. Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provides information, lists events, and accepts donations at <http://www.vik9s.org>, or you may mail your contribution to P.O. Box 9, East Taunton, MA 02718.
Photo of Negan courtesy the Warrensburg Police Department.