07/28/2026
MEDIA RELEASE
7/28/26
8:10 a.m.
Grimm, the newest member of the K9 team at the Hamblen County Sheriff’s Office, was awarded and has received a bullet and stab protective vest, thanks to a charitable donation from the non-profit organization, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.
Grimm’s handler, Deputy Paul Pressley, says he is grateful to the organization for making the protective vest for his partner a possibility.
“I appreciate the fact that Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. went above and beyond to provide this much-needed protection for Grimm,” Deputy Pressley stated. “These vests are just as important for our K9s as they are for us deputies.”
K9 Grimm is the first certified bomb dog for the Hamblen County Sheriff’s Office, and in addition to being his handler, Deputy Pressley also serves as a School Resource Officer.
Sheriff Chad Mullins, who himself once served as a K9 officer, echoed Deputy Pressley’s thoughts on being grateful to the non-profit group for Grimm's vest.
“These vests are important, but they aren’t cheap,” Mullins said. “Not only is this donation protecting Grimm, but it’s also saving our county a substantial amount of money.”
Grimm’s vest was sponsored by a fundraiser hosted by The Plymouth Township Police Association in PA and is embroidered with the sentiment “In memory of K9 Officer Bradley Michael Fox”.
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 6,603 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 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 lbs., 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.
