Scott Police department is moving ahead to get the department's first K-9 unit in 20 years up and running.

The purchase of the German shepherd was approved last week by township officials at a cost of $5,700.

"We want to have the K-9 unit on the road by summertime and we need to make a move on purchasing the dog," said Police Chief Jim Secreet.

The target amount to fund the unit will be between $15,000 and $18,000 for various necessities such as training and equipment -- and none of the funding is coming from the township.

Officer Shane McGrath, who will be the dog's handler, is spearheading the campaign to acquire the dog. Before the board, he said this has been his dream for some time.

Money to fund the unit is coming from various sources including donations from local businesses. There is a donation incentive for the largest contributor -- the naming rights to the dog.

So far, business donations total $6,100, including $500 from East Carnegie Volunteer Fire Department and $500 from Scott EMS.

The department has also acquired $5,000 through District Attorney Stephen Zappala Jr.'s office. The chief has applied for a $7,500 DCED grant in cooperation with state Rep. Matt Smith (D-42).

Police are confident the grant will come through, but the department is continuing to accept donations.

Shallow Creek Kennel, in Sharon, will provide the 10-to-16-month-old dog, which Scott police report is highly recommended.

The canine is rumored to understand Dutch or German commands, but McGrath will have to wait and see for sure which language the dog will be taught.

The dog will receive 18 weeks of top-notch obedience and narcotics training from officer Bill Sombo, a master trainer from North Huntington, and Bridgeville's K-9 officer Jim Lancia.

"The dog would be a human-scent tracking dog as well as a drug detection dog used on traffic stops and searches," Secreet said.

"The biggest benefit will be the community relations aspect -- the Boy Scouts, church groups and schools. It brings officers closer to the people."

Currently when searches are necessary, Scott officers utilize the county's canine or they borrow one from a neighboring community.