As a way to help officers search for narcotics — as well as to help track suspects through the woods in rural areas — the Conestoga-based Southern Regional Police Department has brought on its newest officer: Train, a German-Shepherd/Belgian Malinois mix who hails from the Slovak Republic in Eastern Europe, part of the former Czechoslovakia.

"Slovakia had the best breeding facility for this kind of specialized dog, and getting him here wasn't easy. Train is costing the department $13,000," said Southern Regional patrol Officer Diane Carter.

"He's been here for three weeks, and we're still getting him used to things and preparing to go through training," she said. "But from his second day, he started to settle in."

Funded entirely with community donations, Train — who turned a year old in September — will be used to search homes and automobiles for narcotics, as well as to provide the police department with tracking services and backup.

"We're a small department, and so calling for backup can take a long time. But with a dog, we can go right in," Carter said.

"Some suspects see two or even three officers coming and think 'I can take them,' even if those officers are armed with Tasers," she said. "But for some reason, people just won't try and take on a big dog."

According to Southern Regional Officer Timothy Ferrell, Train is helping out with patrols, though he won't be able to participate fully in the department until after his tracking and narcotics training finishes this spring.

"Not only is Train here to protect citizens in our coverage area (Conestoga and Pequea townships), but he's here to help us as a necessary tool," Ferrell said. "He can help track someone if they take off running from a DUI or domestic disturbance, and he can check a residence (for drugs) in half the time, which helps to keep our officers safer in dangerous situations."

Currently, Carter said, the department is searching for donations to get Train a stab-proof vest, which will cost $900, though the department is also fundraising for cash to set up a veterinary emergency fund for the dog and to purchase life insurance.

Anyone interested in donating to the effort should make a check out to the SRPD K-9 Fund and send it to the Southern Regional Police Department, 3284 Main St., P.O. Box 254, Conestoga, PA 17516. For more information on the department's new K-9 program, call 872-0352.