![\"UTPD](\"https:\/\/safety.utk.edu\/police\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2018\/11\/Quirin-K9.jpg\")
University of Tennessee Police Department\u2019s K9 Bruno will receive a bullet and stab protective vest, thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. K9 Bruno\u2019s vest is sponsored by Mike and Peggy Thielen of Waterford, MI, and will be embroidered with the sentiment \u201cIn honor of Eddie Thielen 1996-2012\u201d. Delivery is expected within eight to ten weeks.<\/p>\n
Bruno, UTPD\u2019s apprehension and drug detection dog, is partnered with Officer Jeffrey Quirin.<\/p>\n
Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. is a 501c (3) charity located in East Taunton, MA, 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. The non-profit was established in 2009 to assist law enforcement agencies with this potentially lifesaving body armor for their four-legged K9 officers. Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided over 3,100 protective vests, in 50 states, through private and corporate donations, at a value of $5.7 million dollars.<\/p>\n
The 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 of age. New K9 graduates, as well as K9s with expired vests, are eligible to participate.<\/p>\n