Thanks to a $25,000 donation by Willow Grove-based Asplundh Foundation, Horsham’s K-9 unit is finally officially off the ground, writes Justin Heinze for the Upper Moreland-Willow Grove Patch.

The funds have helped incorporate a specially-designed kennel into a 2016 Ford Explorer, together with a computer, alarm, video, and escape systems, in addition to lights and a siren.

“The police department first came to us for help in acquiring and training a dog, but we saw they needed a special vehicle for the canine unit so we decided to help in that way,” said Asplundh Foundation Vice President Chris Asplundh.

Members of the Asplundh Foundation got a first look at the new K-9 vehicle recently, when Horsham Police Sergeant Rich Carey drove by to personally thank them for their help with the program.

The vehicle will be assigned to Horsham Township Police Officer Kate Ryan and her K-9 partner Gallant, a Dutch Shepherd. Another squad car is being retrofitted for Officer Andrew D’Arcy and his K-9 partner Banner, a German Shepherd.

“In the past, we have had to borrow K-9 resources. With this program, we wanted to step up to the plate and be a resource to others,” said Horsham Township Chief of Police Bill Daly.

Read more about the donation at the Upper Moreland-Willow Grove Patch by clicking here.