Tate County Sheriff's Office K-9s Receive Donated Body Armor

Vests sponsored by Illinois couple protect dogs in the line of duty

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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The Tate County Sheriff's Office in Mississippi announced that its K-9 units, Soul and Stuccie, have received new bullet- and stab-protective vests through a donation arranged by the nonprofit Vested Interest in K9s Inc. The vests were sponsored by Don and Misty Fike of Galesburg, Illinois and are embroidered with the message "Born to Love- Trained to Serve-Loyal Always."

Why it matters

Law enforcement K-9s often face dangerous situations in the line of duty, making protective gear critical for their safety. This donation helps ensure the Tate County Sheriff's Office dogs are equipped with the necessary protection to carry out their responsibilities effectively.

The details

Vested Interest in K9s Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that has provided over 6,225 protective vests valued at $6.9 million to K-9s across the United States since its founding in 2009. The vests are U.S.-made, custom-fitted, and certified to National Institute of Justice standards. The organization's program is open to any active and certified U.S. law enforcement dogs that are at least 20 months old.

  • The Tate County Sheriff's Office announced the donation on February 19, 2026.

The players

Vested Interest in K9s Inc.

A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides protective vests and other assistance to law enforcement K-9s nationwide.

Don and Misty Fike

A couple from Galesburg, Illinois who sponsored the protective vests for the Tate County Sheriff's Office K-9s.

Soul and Stuccie

K-9 units of the Tate County Sheriff's Office in Mississippi that received the donated protective vests.

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The takeaway

This donation highlights the important role that nonprofit organizations and community members can play in supporting law enforcement K-9 units and ensuring their safety while on duty. It also demonstrates the national reach of Vested Interest in K9s Inc. in providing critical protective gear to K-9s across the United States.