The Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office K-9 Unit will receive a $5,000 donation for the purchase of Sam, a Belgian Malinois, which will be trained during the next six months to be a patrol dog.
Money donated by Milk-Bone, in partnership with Smith's Food and Drug Stores, will cover the acquisition expenses, training for the officer who will be his handler and adaptation of the vehicle the dog will work in.
Sam is about 2 years old and came from the Netherlands, said Sgt. Steve Rowland, the officer in the K-9 Unit and who will be the dog's handler. Sam will replace Rowland's current but soon to retire canine partner, Bruno.
Members of the K-9 Unit will have a demonstration that will feature Sam on Tuesday at 10 a.m., in the parking lot of the Smith's Marketplace located at 3300 S. and 3000 E. Salt Lake County Sheriff Aaron Kennard and other law enforcement will also be present to accept the donation.