Main Street Pizza owner Vic Marchese donated $4,000 to the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office K-9 fund to help kick off fundraising efforts to obtain a new K-9 for the Genesee County Sheriff’s Department on Thursday morning. K-9 Destro suddenly passed away last week after a brief battle with cancer. K-9 Destro and his handler Deputy Chris Erion worked together for 5 years.
Currently, Upstate K-9, based in Rochester, is searching for either a Belgian Malinois or a German Shepherd for the department.
The Sheriff’s Office says the total cost to obtain another K-9 dog is $15,000.
Deputy Chris Erion hopes to have a dog before the end of the year and have it trained by the summer and in service.
In the meantime, the department will rely on surrounding counties and the State Police for assistance if a K-9 is needed.
A GoFund me page has been established at the Sheriff’s Office and donations can be made out to the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Fund and dropped off at the department, located at 165 Park Road, during regular business hours.
(Sheriff’s Dept. photo)
On October 24, 2018, a Memorial for K-9 Destro will be held at the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office at 165 Park road from 3-7pm, the public is welcome to attend.