Romeoville police dog to receive donated protective vest

Spike, a K-9 member of the Romeoville Police Department, will receive a bullet- and stab-resistant vest thanks to a charitable donation.

Vested Interest in K9s, a nonprofit organization, donated Spike’s vest, which will be delivered in about two months, according to a news release.

The nonprofit is located in East Taunton, Massachusetts, and its mission is to provide protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement across the country. Its 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 old.

Since its inception in 2009, the organization has provided more than 3,500 vests in all 50 states through private and corporate donations, a value of $5.7 million. Each vest costs about $1,700 to $2,200 and has a five-year warranty.