Upon hearing of Solo's death, Executive Director Roseann Trezza wanted to find a way to protect other New Jersey K-9's from experiencing a similar tragedy. Body armor companies were sought; law enforcement departments brought in their K-9's to try out several vests; decisions were made and the Vested Interest Fund was born.
Donations poured in from all over New Jersey, and on December 21, 1998 The Society held its first vest presentation ceremony at the John H. Stamler Police Academy in Scotch Plains. 47units were provided with K-9 vests. A second presentation on March 4, 1999 provided 78 more vests, and on June 30, 1999 the largest presentation ceremony yet was held. 127 vests were presented and 175 were ordered to be received at a fourth ceremony. And the rest is history.