OKC Police: Over $12K Raised To Provide K9s With Ballistic Vests

Oklahoma City police said more than $12,000 have been raised to provide Oklahoma K9s with ballistic vests.

According to police, the department's nine K9s have been awarded ballistic vests thanks to nonprofit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., A Breed Apart Clothing, and 5-year-old Tayte Stark of Oklahoma.

Police said all three joined efforts to provide vests for Oklahoma police dogs in memory of K9 Kye, who was killed in the line of duty.

8/26/2014 Related Story: Police Honor K9 Officer Killed In The Line Of Duty

Tim Beachy, a Perryopolis, PA resident and owner of A Breed Apart Clothing, designed and sold shirts with Kye's likeness on them with the sale proceeds being donated to Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. The “Kye Tee Shirt event” raised over $4700 to fund the five K9 vests for Oklahoma City.

Five year-old Tayte Stark is the daughter of K9 Kye's handler, Staff Sgt. Ryan Stark. She raised over $7500 to vest the remaining four Oklahoma City Police Dogs, and three K9s from the following departments; Creek Nation Lighthorse Police Department K9 Zero, Custer County Sheriff K9 Ares, and Hinton Police Department K9 Devon.

Staff Sergeant Ryan Stark's new partner, K9 Kayne of Oklahoma City, is being awarded a vest through the efforts of this campaign.

All vests provided from the two events will be embroidered, “In Memory of K9 Kye, Oklahoma City Police Department.”