Boardman police getting another police dog

Boardman

The Boardman Police Department continues to grow as township trustees approved the hiring and training of a new, four-legged member of the force.

The trustees agreed Monday night to take $11,000 out of the Law Enforcement Trust Fund to pay for a new police dog from Shallow Creek Kennels Inc. in Sharpsville, Pa. The $11,000 will be paid back to the trust with funds from a private donation drive that is underway, said William Leight, township fiscal officer.

About $5,000 has already been collected, Leight said. He added that donations can be dropped off at the Township Administration and Police Department building, 8299 Market St.

The new police dog is expected to be on active duty in October and replaces Officer Robby, a police dog that retired April 21 after eight years of service. His handler, Officer Brian Cionni, paid the township $1 to keep Robby as a pet. Cionni will work with the new dog, too, said Chief Jack Nichols.