Lombard police dog gets protective vest

Lombard's police dog, Thor, will receive a protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from a nonprofit organization called Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.

Thor's vest is sponsored by Lincolnwood Training Club, Inc. for German Shepherd Dogs and will be embroidered with the sentiment "Gifted by Lincolnwood Training Club for Ger. Shep. Dogs." Delivery is expected within 10 weeks.

Vested Interest is a charity based in East Taunton, Massachusetts, with a mission to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the U.S.

The group was established in 2009 to assist law enforcement agencies with potentially lifesaving body armor for four-legged officers.

Since its inception, Vested Interest has provided more than 2,900 protective vests in 50 states through private and corporate donations at a value of $5.7 million.

The program is open to dogs actively employed with law enforcement or related agencies who are certified and at least 20 months old.

Thor is a 2-year-old German shepherd and serves the village after the recent retirement of another police dog, Chico. Officer Joseph Statkus serves as Thor's handler.

"We appreciate the generous donation from Vested Interest and the additional sponsorship by the Lincolnwood Training Club, Inc., in keeping our newest dog safe," Police Chief Roy Newton said. "We are grateful to those who care not only for Lombard's police officers, but also our officer's best friend, K-9 Thor. Our commitment to Lombard's K-9 program has been in place for more than 25 years."

The donation to provide one protective vest is $950. Each vest has a value between $1,744 and $2,283 and a five-year warranty.

Vested Interest provides information, lists events, and accepts tax-deductible donations of any denomination at www.vik9s.org or mailed to P.O. Box 9 East Taunton, MA 02718.