The Livingston County Sheriff’s Office said donations are slowly coming in for the purchase of a dual-purpose K-9.

As of Thursday the office said $1,975 dollars has been donated since it announced its plans to raise funds for the program last month. In order to purchase and train the K-9 around $16,500 needs to be raised.

It said the dog will be trained for drug detection and patrol duties (officer protection, building searches, tracking, guarding) and one deputy sheriff will be assigned to handle the dog.

“When we reach our financial goal we will send the assigned road deputy through the multiple weeks of K-9 training with the dog and trainer (included in the $16,500). We will properly equip the deputies patrol vehicle and upon completion introduce the new deputy to our county,” the office said Thursday. “Our goal is to use the dog to assist not only our office and the Missouri State Highway Patrol but also the Chillicothe Police and other area agencies as needed.   The added protection for the deputy and public safety is another huge reason for this office having a K-9 program.”

Donations are being sent by check or money order made out to the LCSO K-9 Program at the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office, 901 Webster, Chillicothe, MO 64601 or calling the office at at 660-646-0515.