The Moffat County Sheriff’s Office has partnered with 30×30 Fundraising to launch a fundraiser to support the purchase and training of a new K-9. 

All donations will directly fund specialized training for the detection and tracking K-9, named Prime, and training for the handler, according to a news release.

“This fundraiser is about more than just donations—it’s about uniting as a community to invest in safety, security and the future of the Moffat County K9 Unit,” said Kendra Cook, CEO of 30×30 Fundraising, in a statement. “With the generosity of K9 Prime’s supporters, the Moffat County Sheriff’s Office can ensure K9 Prime receives the training necessary to become a highly skilled police K9, making a lasting impact in your community.”

According to the news release, 30×30 Fundraising is a nonprofit dedicated to supporting K-9 units through funding and resources, including training, equipment and medical care.

The news release also states that all donations do not include extra fees and are tax-deductible.

According to Deputy Sgt. Matt Hammer, Prime came from Alabama and is currently with an expert K-9 trainer in Denver while the Moffat County Sheriff’s Office gathers funds. The dog is expected to be transported to the sheriff’s office in May.

Hammer added that the Moffat County Sheriff’s Office does not currently have a K-9 on the team, making Prime the first K-9 unit addition in “two or three years.”

The Craig Police Department has two K-9s on the team, named Odin and Bane. Prime will become the third law enforcement K-9 between the two agencies in Moffat County.

The addition of Prime in Moffat comes after the Steamboat Springs Police Department welcomed its first-ever K-9, Amun, in early February. Prime will soon become the seventh K-9 to currently serve Northwest Colorado.

“We’re trying to revamp our K-9 program and get it going again,” said Hammer. “We’ve got a process to go through, but the biggest key is finding a good dog first.”

Prime will be trained to detect drugs as well as track scents, allowing deputies to utilize him for search and rescue missions, missing persons cases and other tracking-related work.

The “success of this fundraiser depends on community support,” according to the news release, and each donation “plays a vital role” in bringing Prime to Moffat County.

“The expenses include the cost of the dog, the K-9’s training and the handler’s training,” said Hammer. “(Prime) will be a super friendly, community-oriented K-9.”

To donate, visit Bit.Ly/K9PrimeDonations.