El Cajon Police Department’s K9 Titan to get donation of body armor

El Cajon Police Department's K9 Titan to get donation of body armor

El Cajon Police Department, CA, K9 Titan will receive a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. K9 Titan's vest was sponsored by Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. and will be embroidered with the sentiment "In memory of Milo". Delivery is expected within ten weeks.

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., established in 2009, is a 501(c)(3) 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 K9 officers is U.S. made, custom fitted, and National Institute of Justice (NIJ) certified. Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided over 6,348 vests valued at $6.9 million to K9s in all 50 states, made possible by both private and corporate donations.

The program is open to U.S. dogs at least 20 months old, actively employed, and certified with law enforcement or related agencies. K9s with expired vests are also eligible to participate. There are an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s throughout the United States.

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. accepts tax-deductible contributions in any amount, while a single donation of $1,050 will sponsor one vest. Each vest has a value of $1800.00, weighs an average of 4-5 lbs., and comes with a five-year warranty. For more information, or to learn about volunteer opportunities, please call (508) 824-6978. Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provides information, lists events, and accepts donations at https://www.vik9s.org, or you may mail your contribution to P.O. Box 9, East Taunton, MA 02718.

K9 Titan, age three, joined the El Cajon Police Department in July 2025 and is proudly partnered with Officer Tilko. Since joining the department, Titan has become an essential member of the ECPD team. Police K9s are uniquely trained to support officers in a wide range of duties, from building searches and suspect tracking to narcotics detection and community engagement. Their presence enhances officer safety, increases operational effectiveness, and strengthens public trust. Providing protective equipment to K9s like Titan ensures these highly trained partners are afforded the same level of protection as the officers they serve alongside.

Completed By:

Lt. Nick Sprecco

Administration

El Cajon Police Department

Reviewed By:

Lt. Mike Murphy

Patrol Division

El Cajon Police Department