FARMINGTON – It still needs to go before the county Budget Committee but it looks like Deputy David Rackliffe and his dog, Rugar, will be heading to the criminal justice academy sooner than anticipated.

A resident of Farmington contacted Cpl. Nate Bean on Friday, currently the only canine officer in the county, to offer financial assistance for Rackliffe and his dog to attend two training courses at a cost of $1,200.

Bean and Rackliffe had asked Franklin County commissioners last week to back them when they asked the Budget Committee for funding for a second police dog. Commissioners agreed to support the two officers.

With Bean currently serving on light duty due to an ankle injury, the closest police dog is in Palmyra and could take up to two hours to respond. In addition to having a second dog available,

Bean and Rackliffe gave other arguments for the second dog team citing reduced overtime hours and possible income to the county from seized drug money and assets.

Rackliffe had asked police chiefs of nearby agencies to write a letter of support for the proposal. As of Friday, he had received a supportive letter from Chief Larry White of Jay who cited several instances of utilizing Bean and his dog.

The anonymous donor told Bean Monday that she is eager for the Sheriff’s Department to get as many dogs as possible.

“She also loves German shepherds,” said Bean.