MONTICELLO, NY — Sullivan County’s K-9 program was put on pause several years ago, when one dog died of an illness, and another was hit by a car.

Earlier this year, Sheriff Mike Schiff decided to revive the program and assigned a deputy, who is now training at the Orange County Sheriff’s K-9 Academy. 

Martin Rutberg and Lawrence Breslow of the Rutberg Brelow Law Firm donated $5,000 recently toward the purchase of a new dog and equipment for the program. The sheriff’s office honored the lawyers during the April 18 meeting of the county legislature.

“Budget limitations for special units are always a concern,” said Schiff.“We appreciate this important donation which will help us re-establish our K-9 program.”

K9 officers help with a range of duties, such as tracking suspects, controlling crowds, detecting illegal drugs, locating human remains, and identifying explosives, among many other talents.