Police in South Williamsport are starting the new year with a new member of the department.
A K-9 unit has joined officers in their effort to make the community safe.
The last time South Williamsport Police had a K-9 unit was 1997.
Now there is a new pup on the block, ready to fight crime, thanks to donations from the community.
Dany is a 16-month-old dog and newest member of the South Williamsport Police Department.
Dany's handler, Patrolman Devin Thompson said the canine was imported all the way from Slovakia.
"He's bred specifically for law enforcement operations, police work, security, his main focus," said Thompson.
Up until now, there has not been enough money in the budget to get a dog like Dany, according to police.
So officers asked business owners and residents to donate, and they did.
"He needed a vest, so in addition to the $300 I give every year, I gave them $1,000 because a dog needs a good vest," said business owner Vickie Ireland.
More than a dozen community members pitched in enough money to get Dany on the force, hoping a K-9 unit can help South Williamsport Police, and more.
"It's our opinion it's not just a South Williamsport dog, it's an area dog. Where the dog is needed that's where the dog is going to go," said Donald Labuski of the Williamsport Polish Club.
The fundraising effort for Dany is not over. Police said not only will he have to be trained over the years, he will also have to make routine visits for veterinary care.
"We're always looking for any tools we can get for our community to police our community," said Chief Terry O'Connell.
Dany even has a specially-outfitted cruiser to get around in and will start his drug training in the near future.
Now, Patrolman Thompson has a new partner and all thanks to the help from the folks police serve and protect.
"It's fantastic knowing we have the support of the community, they donated their time and money to help support the cause," said Thompson.
In all, more than $7,000 was raised to bring Dany onto the force.
A K-9 unit has joined officers in their effort to make the community safe.
The last time South Williamsport Police had a K-9 unit was 1997.
Now there is a new pup on the block, ready to fight crime, thanks to donations from the community.
Dany is a 16-month-old dog and newest member of the South Williamsport Police Department.
Dany's handler, Patrolman Devin Thompson said the canine was imported all the way from Slovakia.
"He's bred specifically for law enforcement operations, police work, security, his main focus," said Thompson.
Up until now, there has not been enough money in the budget to get a dog like Dany, according to police.
So officers asked business owners and residents to donate, and they did.
"He needed a vest, so in addition to the $300 I give every year, I gave them $1,000 because a dog needs a good vest," said business owner Vickie Ireland.
More than a dozen community members pitched in enough money to get Dany on the force, hoping a K-9 unit can help South Williamsport Police, and more.
"It's our opinion it's not just a South Williamsport dog, it's an area dog. Where the dog is needed that's where the dog is going to go," said Donald Labuski of the Williamsport Polish Club.
The fundraising effort for Dany is not over. Police said not only will he have to be trained over the years, he will also have to make routine visits for veterinary care.
"We're always looking for any tools we can get for our community to police our community," said Chief Terry O'Connell.
Dany even has a specially-outfitted cruiser to get around in and will start his drug training in the near future.
Now, Patrolman Thompson has a new partner and all thanks to the help from the folks police serve and protect.
"It's fantastic knowing we have the support of the community, they donated their time and money to help support the cause," said Thompson.
In all, more than $7,000 was raised to bring Dany onto the force.
