(Betsy Bloom/Daily News photo) Dickinson County Commissioner Barbara Kramer pets K-9 officer Cheeto, handled by Deputy Randall Howe, in the circuit courtroom in Iron Mountain during Monday’s county board meeting. Looking on, from left, are Commissioner John Degenaer Jr., Chairman Henry Wender, Commissioner Ann Martin, Controller Brian Bousley and Clerk-Register of Deeds Carol Bronzyk. Observing from the front row are Undersheriff Aaron Rochon, left, and Sheriff Scott Rutter.

IRON MOUNTAIN — Private donations have been instrumental in bringing K-9 officer Cheeto to the Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office, while Kingsford Public Safety Department anticipates the arrival of K-9 officer Scout in mid-September.

Cheeto, a Belgian malinois, was described Monday by Sheriff Scott Rutter as “pretty rambunctious” when introduced to the Dickinson County Board. He came on duty last week, trained in drug detection, subject and article tracking and handler protection.

The new K-9s are arriving after Iron Mountain Police Department retired Falcon, also a Belgian malinois, in February after more than eight years of service.

When IMPD decided against another K-9 due to personnel limitations, the sheriff’s department made plans to get one. The timetable sped up after a retired K-9 handler contacted the county, saying anonymous donors with ties to the Upper Peninsula were looking to cover the cost.

Deputy Randall Howe was selected to be the handler and attended month-long training at D & D K9 Dynamics in Gladstone.

Meanwhile, the sheriff’s office said, a donor reached out and inquired about interest in a second K-9. KPSD accepted and Officer Rodney Woodward has been selected as the handler.

Both Dickinson County and the city of Kingsford are covering vehicle costs associated with their K-9 programs.

Also, the sheriff’s office and KPSD have agreed to keep donated funds in an account established for the Dickinson Area Working K-9 program. All donations will benefit both programs while active.

The agencies thanked businesses and individuals who have donated locally and noted that anyone interested in making a contribution can contact either agency.