Heat alert system saves K9 officer in Cape Girardeau County

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., (KBSI) — A Cape Girardeau County sheriff’s K9 officer is safe after a heat alert system installed in the patrol vehicle alerted the handler to rising temperatures.

The incident occurred when the air conditioning system malfunctioned, causing the interior temperature to rise from 75°F to over 90°F in just five minutes.

The Cool Guard heat alert system, funded by community donations, activated an alert, allowing the handler to respond quickly and prevent harm to K9 Zeno.

The sheriff’s office emphasized the importance of K9 safety technology and reminded the public of the dangers of leaving pets or children unattended in vehicles, even on mild days.