Since its establishment in August 2008, the Technical Large Animal Emergency Rescue unit has lacked a vital piece of equipment, a 400-pound horse mannequin needed for training, but with the donations of citizens and business owners, the mannequin is on the way.

Now that the unit has raised the $9,800 for Randy, the mannequin from UK-based The Big Beasts Company, it will be delivered in about two months, according to Milton Fire Lt. Bill Bourn.

“It really feels good to have the community support us the way that it has. This emphasizes how much the community is behind this unit,” he said. “I never thought we would have achieved this in such a short amount of time.”

Last summer the unit held a fundraiser at Chukkar Farms and Polo Club in hopes of raising $11,000 for a mannequin named Lucky, which needed a harness to stand on its own.

“A standing horse demonstration is important,” Bourn said. “Randy is about $1,000 cheaper, even with shipping costs, and stands on its own.”

The unit has been training without the mannequin, but they have not been able to simulate real rescue scenarios.

During September’s floods, members of the unit put their training to work when they evacuated 44 horses from the Huntcliff Stables in Sandy Springs.

“Soon we’ll be able to really take our training to the next level,” Bourn said. One of the contributors that made the unit’s goal a reality is the Little River Animal Hospital on Birmingham Highway. The animal hospital, led by Dr. J. Hannis Mize, raised about $2,000 for the unit during its 2009 fall festival.

“At the bank, we saw that the city needed a horse mannequin, and we thought it was a great cause,” said Lauren McMaster, front office manager. “A lot of our clients have horses, so we know how important their safety is.”

To raise money, the hospital put on a silent auction, held a chili cookout and had a pie-throwing contest.

“It was a group effort, and our clients were a big part of that,” Ms. McMaster said.

Bourn said the unit still needs training items, like quick release marine shackles for its large sling, fleece pads for animal comfort, safety vests and helmets, floatation devices and veterinary medical supplies.

Interested citizens can donate money at any Wachovia location, and Bourn said contributors must be specific that their money is intended for the “City of Milton TLAER” account.

Citizens may also drop off checks at any Milton fire station.