MARQUETTE — The Manistique Public Safety Department has announced that a new K-9/narcotics detection dog program will begin in fall 2018.

The program is designed to support the efforts of law enforcement officials in the area to combat the use and sale of illicit drugs in Schoolcraft County, officials said.

A male German shepherd will serve as the K-9 dog. He will be trained in search-and-rescue, narcotics detection and officer protection. Officials said the dog will also have a “manner and personality” that will allow the animal’s handler to bring him to public programs throughout the community, including schools.

Officer Craig Jankowski will be the new K-9 officer for the department. Jankowski initiated a fundraising campaign for the $18,000 needed to set up the program, as the department needed funds to pay for a dog, training and equipment.

The department credits generous donations from two local entities for helping to raise the $18,000 in funds: the Fraternal Order of Police, Local Lodge 146 donated $5,000; and the Lakeshore Oil Company of Manistique donated the remaining $13,000.

In addition to these donations, the Thompson Veterinary Clinic pledged to donate basic health care for the police dog.

While the initial funding to start the program has been raised, officials from the department are requesting donations to finance additional equipment costs, as well as future training and program enhancement.

Donations can be made to the Manistique Public Safety Department, 300 N. Maple St., Manistique, Michigan, 49854, attention: director Ken Golat.