MOSES LAKE — When the Grant County Sheriff’s Office’s newest four-legged deputy graduates from K-9 school, the county will have a team of three four-legged deputies fighting crime across the county.

The sheriff’s office recently welcomed K-9 Deputy Edo, a 2-year-old Belgian Malinois from the Netherlands. Edo was purchased by the GCSO from Vohne Liche Kennels in Indiana, known as a leader in providing police and military dogs. Edo was chosen from 35 other dogs after a three-day selection process conducted by Deputy Tyson Voss and Bob Bond, a former Spokane County deputy.

Edo and Voss are set to attend a 10-week K-9 school starting on April 17 in Spokane. Edo will be joining K-9 deputies Chicka and Grizzly upon his graduation from K-9 school. The majority of the funds to acquire the four-legged deputies came from donations by the public.

“The Grant County Sheriff’s Office K-9 unit has been funded almost entirely by the donations and support of Grant County citizens,” Sheriff Tom Jones stated. “We are grateful for all the support and generosity which made a dream a reality.”

Donations to the K-9 Unit are still being accepted and can be pledged through the Columbia Basin Foundation. Call 509-754-4596 or visit www.columbiabasinfoundation.org for more information.

Richard Byrd can be reached via email at city@columbiabasinherald.com.