Vested Interest Donates Protective Vest to YSU Police Dog

Barkley, the police dog serving with the Youngstown State University Police Department, will receive a bullet and stab-protective vest thanks to a donation from Dan Laufman of Canfield through the nonprofit Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. The vest, embroidered with 'In memory of Aunt Mimi,' is custom-fitted, U.S.-made, and certified by the National Institute of Justice, with delivery expected within 10 weeks. Vested Interest in K9s has provided over 6,000 vests valued at nearly $7 million to law enforcement dogs nationwide since 2009, funded by private and corporate donations. The organization offers vests to actively employed U.S. police dogs at least 20 months old, including those with expired vests, with each vest costing about $1,800 and weighing 4-5 pounds. Police Chief Shawn Varso expressed gratitude for the donation, highlighting its importance in keeping Barkley and the YSU community safe. Additionally, local fundraising efforts such as a lemonade stand honoring 'Aunt Mimi' have supported protective gear for multiple K9s in the Youngstown area.