A northwest Missouri K-9 is now a little safer after a gift of a bullet/stab resistant vest.

Cipo is a patrol canine for the Missouri State Highway Patrol and works alongside Sgt. Mark Wilhoit in Troop H.  Sgt. Jake Angle said Cipo is trained in handler protection, narcotics detection and tracking.

“In the course of those duties in any given day he’s put in harms way. Tracking fugitives, searching cars and protecting Mark while he’s out doing his duties every day,” Angle said.

Donna and Jim Wilson with the Going To the Dogs Foundation donated a bullet/stab resistant vest to the patrol for Cipo Thursday morning. Donna said the vest costs around $1,000 and only weighs about 5 to 7 lbs.  She said they have been trying to donate vests to K-9 dogs in numerous law enforcement agencies.  Since last year the agency has donated around 10 vests.

“My goal is the Missouri State Highway Patrol has 10 canines throughout the entire state of Missouri,” Donna said. “My goal is that every canine will get a vest.”

Earlier this month, a K-9 was shot and killed on duty in Wichita, Kan.  Donna said she’s hoping the vests can help to prevent that from happening to other canines.

“It broke my heart and believe me that’s going to be a city that I’m going to reach out to,” Donna said. “What we need from the public is we just ask for your support so we can continue our mission to make sure that vests are put on these dogs.”

Sgt. Angle said they consider Cipo to be an officer on duty.

“Anytime we can add another level of protection for one of our officers it’s a benefit,” Sgt. Angle said. “With this generous donation today it’s just another level of protection we have for our canines and we can’t express our appreciation enough.”

For more information on the Going to the Dogs Foundation CLICK HERE.