A new K-9 unit and female officer were introduced Wednesday to the Wesleyville community. Chief Robert Buzanowski for the Wesleyville police department said these additions will make a big difference.   

“Adding another officer is huge. We were short staffed as it was. The way things are nowadays, more officers is always better. The K-9 just started in January and already made a huge impact for the department and for the community” Buzanowski said. 

Patrolman Jeff Hawryliw and K-9 Ke$ha trained for weeks. Now, they're working together to keep the community safe. 

“We're on the road. We ride together every night. We're on the night shift. Some of our responsibilities are narcotic searches, vehicles, houses, criminal apprehension, or patrol, and She's my partner. So, she stays with me in the car, and protects me," Hawryliw said.

Hawryliw said this is a role he's always wanted to do and it couldn't have happened without the donations and support from the community.

“It's a dream that I've had since I was a kid. I had a neighbor. He was a state trooper and actually a K-9 handler as well. It's something that I've always been interested in doing. So it's huge not only for the borough, it's huge for me. It's a very difficult program to achieve, and we were fortunate enough with community partners to fully fund the program. So, it's a huge asset not only to Erie county, but the community of Wesleyville,” Hawryliw said.