WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI)- One West Lafayette Police Department K-9 has some new gear, all thanks to a celebrity donor.

Famous journalist Anderson Cooper donated a $2,500 bulletproof vest to WLPD's K-9 unit.

The vest is light weight and not as bulky as the department's current ones.

It is also custom-fit.

This makes the vest more comfortable for the dog, so they are able to wear it for their entire shift and not overheat or get tired.

K-9 handler Elizabeth Romstadt says she normally would only put a vest on her K-9, Barry, when she felt it was necessary.

But now, Barry will always be protected and prepared.

Romstadt says she was shocked when she heard who the donor was.

"Just knowing that somebody of that status that I've never met, that I don't think anyone at my department's met, that he would reach out and touch the dog's life and keep him safe when he may never meet Barry," said Romstadt.

Cooper donated the vest through a foundation called Spike's K9 fund.

It was founded by a retired navy seal whose K-9 was killed overseas in combat.

If you would like to learn more about the foundation, or make a donation yourself, click here.