Douglas Police Department K9 Finn has received a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. K9 Finn’s vest is embroidered with the sentiment “This gift of protection provided by Vested Interest in K9s.” 

Finn is an English chocolate Labrador who joined the Douglas PD from a New Hampshire breeder’s after Police Chief Nick Miglionico reached out. This particular breed of dog has a social temperament like its American counterpart but is known to be less “bouncy.” The related breeds can be easily differentiated by their noses; the English lab’s is square while the American dog’s is thinner and more elongated.

Finn arrived at the Douglas Police in January 2020 as a “comfort dog,” meant to relax children, seniors and other groups when dealing with law enforcement. He currently works with school resource officer Brett Fulone and became a social media star after his appearance on “Good Morning America’s” Pet of the Week segment in March 2020.

Finn has not only visited schools in the region, he helped to lead a Nero’s Law K9 Practical Class. Nero’s Law calls for all certified EMTs to complete a training course of at least three hours dealing with police dog treatment and transport.

The act provides for the care and transportation of police dogs injured in the

line of duty.

“Ambulance services shall authorize their EMS personnel to provide emergency treatment to a police dog injured in the line of duty, and transport such police dog by ambulance, to a veterinary clinic or veterinary hospital equipped to provide emergency treatment to dogs,” the legislation reads. “Provided, there are no

person requiring emergency medical treatment or transport at that time.”

The law was named for Nero, the critically wounded K9 Partner of Yarmouth Police Officer Sean Gannon, who was killed on duty on 2018.

Vested Interest’s goal is to assure that law enforcement working dogs get needed protection on the job. The company  was established in 2009, and 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 agenciesthroughout the United States. 

This potentially lifesaving body armor for four-legged K9 officers is U.S.- made, custom fitted, and certified by the National Institute of Justice that certifies body armor for law enforcement agencies. Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided over 5,918 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, while a single donation of $1,050 will sponsor one vest. Each vest has a value of $1800.00, weighs an average of 4-5 lb., and comes with a five-year warranty. 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 donations at www.vik9s.org, or you may mail your contribution to P.O. Box 9, East Taunton, MA 02718.