Community turns down K-9 grant from Roethlisberger Foundation

A Westmoreland County town is turning down a grant from the for a K-9 dog from the  Ben Roethlisberger Foundation -- because the city doesn't have a police dog.

The grant was a surprise for the Arnold Police Department. One councilman said he wasn't aware the city had applied for the grant from the foundation until he read an article in the

.

Arnold hasn't had a police dog since 2014. Council members told

here isn't enough money in the budget to add a dog to the force. They voted to give back the $10,000.

The mission of the foundation is to support K-9 units of police and fire departments throughout the United States, with a particular emphasis on support for service dogs in Pittsburgh. The foundation has distributed more than $1.7 million since 2007.

RELATED: 

Roethlisberger announces 8 Pittsburgh-area K-9 grants (2/15/17)

K-9 Blek enjoys retirement with Ben Roethlisberger (4/13/15)

Ligonier police welcome 15-month-old dog as their newest K-9 (7/14/17)

Cox Media Group