Albert Lea Police dog Neiko received a lifesaving present from a South Carolina philanthropist.

A bullet and stab-proof vest was donated by Fern Michaels, a romance and cooking books author.

&uot;Neiko has more probability to encounter an attack from a suspect than officers, because he needs to go about 30-feet ahead of us in tracking and searching,&uot; K-9 Officer Andy Johnson said.

However, small police departments have a difficult time financing the gear, which costs $1,500, according to Johnson.

Johnson was connected to Michaels through a maker in Winnipeg, Canada, to which he was calling to ask about the products.

Neiko and Johnson will have three weeks of training at St. Paul Police Department for drug investigation. A part of the expense was covered by a $1,000 donation by Aragon Bar owner Jeff Fjelstad.

Upon completing the program, Neiko will be participating in drug searches, in addition to his current duties.

Johnson stressed that the investment on his K-9 unit has already paid off.

Neiko has proven his remarkable tracking capability in many cases, such as a domestic assault and burglary, some of which are recognized by the United States Police Canine Association.