The Jackson County Sheriff’s Department is set to receive a donation of a bullet and stab protective vest for K-9 Zanko within eight to 10 weeks.

Zanko is a 20-month-old German Shepherd with the purposes of locating and apprehending people and narcotics detection.

Thanks to a charitable donation from nonprofit organization Vested Interest in K9s Inc., Zanko’s vest is sponsored by the Peery family of Cumming, Georgia. The vest will be embroidered with the sentiment “This gift of protection provided by the Peery family.” It is U.S. made and custom fitted and is National Institute of Justice certified.

Vested Interest in K9s was established in 2009, and its mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vest and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and other agencies throughout the United States.

Since its formation, Vested Interest in K9s has provided more than 4,918 vests to K-9s in all 50 states at a value of $6.9 million, all made possible by private and corporate donations.

The program is available to U.S. dogs that are at least 20 months old and actively employed and certified with law enforcement or related agencies. K-9s with expired vests also are able to participate. There are an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K-9s throughout the country.

Thanks to this generous donation, both K9 Zanko and his partner, Officer Kevin Settle, are to be well protected in the Jackson County community, according to a news release from Lt. Adam Nicholson with the sheriff’s department.

If you are interested in donating to this cause, Vested Interest in K9s accepts tax-deductible contributions in any amount. A single donation of $960 will sponsor one vest. Each vest weighs an average of 4 to 5 pounds and comes with a five-year warranty.

For information about donations or other volunteer opportunities, call 508-824-6978 or visit vik9s.org. Donations may be mailed to P.O. Box 9, East Taunton, MA 02718.