Pulaski Co. Sheriff's Office starts GoFundMe for new K-9

Deputies need public's help to pay for new pup

PULASKI COUNTY, Va. – The Pulaski County Sheriff's Office needs a new K-9 to fight drug crime and keep the community safe. However, the department is strapped for cash and is turning to the public for help.

The office started a K-9 Unit GoFundMe page. Deputies want to raise $15,000 to buy a new K-9, new kennels and air-conditioning alarms to let handlers know if a cruiser's too hot. Plus, the money will help pay for veterinarian bills.

The office has two K-9's: Arley and Zeus. Major Daniel Johnson says the new dog would be able to both sniff out drugs and track missing people or suspects. They already have a dog in mind: a 3-year-old Sheppard mix named Rango.

“These dogs do so much work and decrease the manpower needed in a lot of different situations," Johnson said.

In Zeus' first month and a half on the job, he seized 106 grams of methamphetamine, helped officers obtain about five search warrants and three firearms were taken off the street.

"It's not just the drugs that are coming off the street, it's the stuff that goes along with the drugs," said Zeus' handler, Deputity Christopher Giampocaro.

The office will be able to lend the K-9's to other local law enforcement agencies when needed. Giampocaro said the dogs also allow deputies to build trust with the community. 

"I let him out, I let the kids pet him, I let the adults pet him and then we start talking from there. I think it’s kind of that buffer that helps us interact with the public," Giampocaro said.

The new four-legged deputy would give the other K-9's a well-deserved break and better protect the public.

"The dog’s already got a name," Johnson said. "So, it's just a matter of making sure that we got the funds to get it up and running.”

To donate to the GoFundMe page, click here.


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