Burnsville Police K9 Duke to Receive Donated Bullet- and Stab-Resistant Vest
Provided by the City of Burnsville/Facebook.
Published: November 17, 2025
BURNSVILLE, MINNESOTA - Burnsville’s four-legged crime-fighting team is getting a substantial safety upgrade. The Burnsville Police Department announced this morning, Monday, November 17, 2025, that K9 Duke will soon receive a custom-fitted bullet- and stab-protective vest, thanks to a charitable donation from the national nonprofit Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.
The new armor, which is expected to arrive within ten weeks, will be embroidered with the message “In memory of K9 Major, Roseville, MN,” honoring the Roseville Police Department’s K9 Major, who was killed in the line of duty in 2023. The sponsorship covers the full cost of Duke’s vest.
A Lifesaving Gift for Local K9 Teams
Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. was founded in 2009 with a mission to protect America’s law enforcement dogs by providing high-quality ballistic vests and support services at no cost to agencies. The organization is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that relies on private and corporate donations.
All vests provided through the program are:
U.S.-made and custom-fitted
Certified to the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) standards
Built with a five-year warranty
Valued at approximately $1,800 each
Lightweight, averaging 4–5 pounds
Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s has reportedly donated more than 6,225 vests, worth $6.9 million, to police K9s across all 50 states.
Who Qualifies for a Vest?
The program is open to working K9s throughout the United States who are:
At least 20 months old
Actively employed and certified
In need of a first vest or replacing an expired one
According to the organization, roughly 30,000 law enforcement K9s nationwide could benefit from such protective gear.
How to Help Protect More K9 Officers
Vested Interest in K9s accepts tax-deductible donations of any amount. A donation of $1,050 fully sponsors a single vest and can be made in honor or memory of a person or K9. Those wishing to contribute or learn more can visit www.vik9s.org, call (508) 824-6978, or mail donations to:
Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.
P.O. Box 9
East Taunton, MA 02718
K9 Duke’s new protective vest will help ensure he can continue serving the Burnsville community safely, thanks to the generosity of supporters committed to protecting the K9 teams that help safeguard communities across the country.
Written by: Will Wight
