(FOUNTAIN, Colo.) — The Fountain Police Department (FPD) said one of its K9s will be getting a gift of body armor thanks to a donation from a nonprofit organization.
FPD said Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. sponsored the bullet and stab protective vest and it will be embroidered with the sentiment: “In Memory of Officer Julian Becerra, EOW 2/11/23.” Delivery of the vest is expected within ten weeks.
On Feb. 2, 2023, three suspects in a stolen vehicle were pursued by FPD officers, including Officer Becerra. The chase ended on a bridge near Highway 85-87 and South Academy Boulevard where Officer Becerra, while pursuing one of the suspects Devon Bobian on foot, fell 40 feet from the bridge and later died of his injuries.
Bobian was found guilty of Second-Degree Murder, in addition to several other charges on May 13, 2024.
Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. is a nonprofit charity with the goal of providing body armor and other help to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the U.S. The body armor is U.S.-made, custom-fitted, and NIJ-certified.
Since the organization’s creation, over 5,760 vests have been donated to K9 officers.
The program is open to U.S. dogs that are at least 20 months old and actively employed and certified with law enforcement. Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. accepts tax-deductible contributions in any amount, with a single donation of $985 will sponsor one vest.
