K-9 Grimm, the newest member of the Hamblen County Sheriff’s Office, will receive a bullet and stab protective vest, thanks to a charitable donation from the nonprofit organization, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.

K9 Grimm’s vest was sponsored by a fundraiser hosted by The Plymouth Township Police Association in Pennsylvania and will be embroidered with the sentiment “In memory of K-9 Officer Bradley Michael Fox.”

Delivery is expected within the next 10 weeks.

K-9 Grimm is a certified bomb dog and his handler is Deputy Paul Pressley, according to Hamblen County Sheriff Chad Mullins.

“We’re excited to have Grimm as part of our team and we’re thankful to Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. for choosing Grimm to be a recipient of their donated vests,” Mullins said. “This donation will save the county a substantial amount of money.”

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., established in 2009, is a 501(c)(3) charity 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.

This potentially lifesaving body armor for four-legged K9 officers is U.S. made, custom fitted, and National Institute of Justice (NIJ) certified.

Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided over 6,513 vests valued at $6.9 million to K9s in all 50 states, made possible by both private and corporate donations.

The program is open to U.S. dogs at least 20 months old, 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, while a single donation of $1,050 will sponsor one vest.

Each vest has a value of $1,800, weighs an average of 4-5 lbs., and comes with a five-year warranty.

For more information, or to learn about volunteer opportunities, call 508824-6978.

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provides information, lists events, and accepts donations at www.vik9s.org, or you may mail your contribution to P.O. Box 9, East Taunton, Massachusetts 02718.