The Ben Roethlisberger Foundation awarded a $5,000 grant to the Butler Police Department K-9 Fund.

The grant was one of 14 totaling $80,000 awarded by the foundation, which was created by the Pittsburgh Steelers' quarterback, to police K-9 units around the country. The grants were announced Monday.

“It's going into the fund for the dogs for training, veterinarians, etc.,” Butler police Chief Bob O'Neill said.

Some of the money will also go toward savings for a vehicle to replace the department's older K-9 vehicle, which is 10 years old, O'Neill said.

The K-9 fund is paid for solely through contributions from the community and grants, he said.

The city recently reinstated its K-9 program with the acquisition of two dogs. Lt. Brian Grooms and his partner, Chooch, and Officer Andrew Niederlander with his partner, Rico, recently completed training at the Pittsburgh Police K-9 Academy and began working.

“This will go toward keeping our dogs healthy and the equipment that is needed to keep them safe. The canine program is funded solely through contributions from the community and any grants that we can receive. We are proud to have the canines back on the road in the city of Butler and look forward to their assistance in our mission to keep Butler a safe place to work and live,” O'Neill said.

Monday's grant announcement completes the foundation's 13th grant cycle. The foundation invited police and fire departments in and around the cities and communities in which the Steelers play to submit proposals detailing their needs.

The foundation has distributed more than $2.2 million since 2007, $1.8 million of which has specifically benefited K-9 programs.