MILNER, Ga. -- Earlier this month, Officer Chad Moxon’s dog, Jimi, was stolen from his home then shot to death and dumped along the side of Culloden road.

On Sunday, Rock Springs Church in Milner is helping to replace his partner with another K-9. Jimi was a narcotics, cadaver and explosive detecting dog. Last week, Pastor Benny Tate heard Moxon's sad story and decided his church could help.

“This is one of the only explosive detecting dogs in our area,” Tate said. "The children in our area are not safe without this dog.”

After Sunday services ended, members of the congregation gave checks, change and cash.

“I think it’s great, it’s nice to have a part in helping to get another dog. I have children that go to the school here so it is very comforting to know we are going to have another dog,” Melissa Baker said.

Baker said she was concerned about the safety of the community with Griffin Police being down a K-9. Moxon said the loss is having a big impact on his department.

“It’s made it a lot harder on the other K-9 officers because now they are having to pick up my slack. They are picking up weeks I am supposed to be on call. They are getting together to pick who is going to do it,” Moxon said.

Since Jimi was killed, Moxon has been able to raise $5,100 to buy a new K-9. The average cost runs around $ 8,500. The police dogs killer or killers have not been found. There is an $ 8,000 reward for any information leading to an arrest. Moxon said he is humbled by the community’s response.

“I never realized people knew how important these dogs were to the community and how much of an asset they are to the police department and the community. As I see people today donating, coming up saying they are sorry, it makes me realize people do realize how important these dogs are. I am doing better [but] I still miss Jimi. I wish we could have him back and put someone in jail for this,” Moxon said.

Donations to help pay for a new K-9 can be made to the Griffin Police Department, 868 W. Poplar St., Griffin, Ga. 30224.