HOUSTON – METRO officials said some of its Police Department K-9s have received bullet and stab protective vests.

Reno, Hank, Alex, Aimy, River, Jesy and Soptik received the vests thanks to a charitable donation from nonprofit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., METRO officials said.

The K-9's vests are sponsored by the late Otto W. Vollenweider, of Bolingbrook, Ill. Officials said the vests are embroidered with the sentiment, "May you always stay safe - Otto W. Vollenweider."

Vested Interest in K9s is a 501c (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 U.S., officials said.

Since its inception, the nonprofit has provided more than 2,000 protective vests in 50 states through private and corporate donations at a cost of more than $1.7 million, METRO said. All vests are custom-made in the U.S. by Armor Express in Central Lake, Mich.

METRO officials said the program is open to dogs actively employed in the U.S. with law enforcement or related agencies who are certified and at least 20 months of age. New K-9 graduates and K-9s with expired vests are eligible to participate.

The donation to provide a protective vest for a law enforcement K-9 is $1,050, METRO officials said. The vest has a value between $1,795 and $2,234, a five-year warranty and an average weight of 4 to 5 pounds.

There are an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K-9s throughout the U.S., according to METRO.

Call 508-824-6978 for more information or to learn about volunteer opportunities. Officials said Vested Interest in K9s provides information, lists events and accepts tax-deductible donations of any denomination at vik9s.org or mailed to P.O. Box 9, East Taunton, MA 02718.