ADAMS TWP — Adams Township Police Department is making paw-sitive progress on its new K-9 program, according to Chief Shawn Anglum.

At Monday night's supervisors meeting, Anglum told township officials the police department is receiving thousands of dollars in public donations to get the program up and running.

“To date, we have collected $6,800,” Anglum said, “(from) families, residents mainly.”

He said the department also anticipates more donations as the program develops.

Supervisors approved the K-9 program in March.

Although the township had been discussing the program before the pandemic, talks were suspended as COVID-19 spiked across the state.

Talks started again last month, when Anglum and township officer Jason Giallorenzo approached the board with plans for the unit and the purchase of the township's first dog through the Sharpsville training facility, Shallow Creek Kennels.

Giallorenzo, who will be the police department's canine handler, is expected to begin training with a new police dog in June.

The police department is still accepting donations, which can be sent to the department at 690 Valencia Road, Mars, PA 16046.

Checks should be payable to Adams Township, with “police K-9 program” written on the memo line.