Victor, a K-9 that will work with Deputy Scott Walter, arrived Friday for two weeks of bonding time for the partners before they head to Hattiesburg for training.
The department has been without a canine unit since the previous dog had to be put to sleep last fall due to health issues.
During the past two months, the Sheriff’s Office and concerned citizen joined together in a fundraising campaign to pay for the new dog. That included a series of raffles and an event a couple of weeks ago at the Attala County Coliseum, raising $4,600 toward Victor's purchase and training costs.
"To this day, we have raised $11,500," said Nail. A grant from Entergy of Mississippi (which could be up to $5,000), a raffle being run by Entergy employees in McAdams and a matching funds grant of $2,500 from Modern Woodman will ensure the department has at least the full cost of Victor and related training, estimated at $14,500 total.
Victor will arrive on Friday and will spend two weeks living with Walters, allowing the two to bond before the pair head to Hattiesburg for training together.
"Without the citizens jumping in and helping us with this, it would have been impossible," said Nail.
For his part, Walters is clearly excited to be working with a new canine.
"The opportunity to obtain the tool I need to do the job I've done my whole career is exciting. And to get this caliber of dog, I'm excited and motivated," he said. "Victor is special; he's going to be a great asset for us."
