Sharpsburg to receive K-9 grant from Roethlisberger Foundation

Sharpsburg is one of nine communities that will receive a grant from the Ben Roethlisberger Foundation to help pay for its K-9 unit.

The Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback's foundation distributed $82,100 to police and fire departments in the region last month.

“We are thankful for and appreciative of the support from the Ben Roethlisberger Foundation as well as all of the other donors that have made bringing a K-9 to Sharpsburg possible,” Mayor Matt Rudzki and police Chief Tom Stelitano said in a joint statement.

The borough worked last year to get money to pay for the $35,000 program led by Patrolman Jeff Hussar.

Hussar expects the dog to start working in the borough this spring after completion of training.

“He took the lead early and showed tremendous initiative to bring a K-9 to Sharpsburg, a resource long overdue for the area,” Stelitano said.

Rudzki said the program will be an asset to Sharpsburg and the region.

“With the use of the K-9, our department can continue to engage and build relationships with the community while also making Sharpsburg a safer place to call home,” he said.

Money can be used to replace retiring dogs, upgrade vehicles, purchase safety and training equipment and certify new K-9s.

The announcement completes the 11th round of grants through the foundation, during which it distributed 23 grants worth more than $170,000 to K-9 units around the country.

Tawnya Panizzi is a staff writer for the Tribune-Review. Reach her at 412-782-2121, ext. 2, tpanizzi@tribweb.com or via Twitter @tawnyatrib.