Police News Releases

Moorhead Police Department’s K9 Kash has received a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. K9 Kash’s vest was sponsored by Barbara Steinberg of Margot and Howard Charitable Foundation and embroidered with the sentiment “Gifted by Margot & Howard Steinberg Foundation”.

K9 Kash and Officer Johnson completed their training and began working together on the street in November 2019. Kash is certified in criminal apprehension and narcotics. With this generous donation of a bullet and stab resistant vest from Margot and Howard Steinberg, Kash will be able to be deployed into different situations with a higher level of protection than before. Due to limited resources available, Kash would not have been able to obtain a vest without this donation. Both Officer Johnson and Kash are very thankful of Margot and Howard Steinberg. K9’s are a tremendous asset to the communities they serve and this vest will help in keeping Kash safe in order to continue to be an asset to the Moorhead Police Department.

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 is U.S. made, custom fitted, and NIJ certified. Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided over 3,980 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, 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 $960 will sponsor one vest. Each vest has a value of $1,744-$2,283, 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.

Capt. Deric Swenson, 218.299.5186