Ortley Beach Moose Raise Funds for Police K9 Vest, And He Repays the Favor

The Toms River Police Department K9 handlers and their partners perform a demonstration at the Ortley Beach Moose Lodge, July 2021. (Credit: TRPD)

A group of Ortley Beach residents were treated to a demonstration by Toms River Police K9s Riggs and Cyrus this week following the Ortley Beach Moost Lodge’s campaign to raise funds for a vest for Riggs.

Sgt. Kyle Martucci, Ptl. Christopher Inglis and Ptl. Anthony Carafa led the demonstration with their K9 partners. The Ortley Beach Moose Lodge donated a bullet and stab protective vest to Riggs which will be embroidered “Gifted by the Ortley Beach Moose Lodge #399.” The Ortley Beach Women of the Moose Chapter made an additional donation of $1,000 to the department’s Officer Vest Fund.

The Toms River Police Department K9 handlers and their partners perform a demonstration at the Ortley Beach Moose Lodge, July 2021. (Credit: TRPD)

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The Toms River Police Department K9 handlers and their partners perform a demonstration at the Ortley Beach Moose Lodge, July 2021. (Credit: TRPD)

The Toms River Police Department K9 handlers and their partners perform a demonstration at the Ortley Beach Moose Lodge, July 2021. (Credit: TRPD)

The Toms River Police Department K9 handlers and their partners perform a demonstration at the Ortley Beach Moose Lodge, July 2021. (Credit: TRPD)

The Toms River Police Department K9 handlers and their partners perform a demonstration at the Ortley Beach Moose Lodge, July 2021. (Credit: TRPD)

The vest that K9 Riggs was provided is from Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. which was established in 2009 and is a charity 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. This potentially lifesaving body armor for four-legged officers are American made, custom fitted, and NIJ certified. Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided over 4,101 vests to K-9s in all 50 states at a value of $6.9 million, made possible by both private and corporate donations.

The Toms River Police Department K9 handlers and their partners perform a demonstration at the Ortley Beach Moose Lodge, July 2021. (Credit: TRPD)

The Toms River Police Department K9 handlers and their partners perform a demonstration at the Ortley Beach Moose Lodge, July 2021. (Credit: TRPD)

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The Toms River Police Department K9 handlers and their partners perform a demonstration at the Ortley Beach Moose Lodge, July 2021. (Credit: TRPD)

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. accepts tax-deductible contributions in any amount, while a single donation of $960 will sponsor one vest. Each vest has a value of $1,744-$2,283, weighs an average of 4-5 pounds, and comes with a five-year warranty. Those seeking more information, or to learn more about volunteer opportunities, can call 508-824-6978. Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provides information, listed events, and accepts donations at www.vik9s.org.