04/29/2026
Martins Ferry Police Department's K9 Patch to get donation of body armor
Martins Ferry Police Department, OH - K9 Patch will receive a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in Kgs, Inc. K9 Patch's vest was sponsored by a fundraiser hosted by Tim Starkey of the Bellaire Chapter of Warthogs, St. Clairsville, OH and will be embroidered with the sentiment In memory of SWAT Officer Don Breeze Buff". Delivery is expected within ten weeks.
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 Kgs, Inc. has provided over 6,397 vests valued at $6.9 million to Kgs 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 Kgs 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 Ibs., and comes with a five-year warranty. For more information, or to learn about volunteer opportunities, please call (508) 824-6978. Vested Interest in Kgs, 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.
Officer C.Nixon and K-9 Patch completed K-9 training in December 2025. Patch is a dual purpose dog. Since becoming partners both officers have had several drug busts and taken a firearm off the streets of Martins Ferry. Keep up the great work officers!!!