TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — The Terre Haute Police Department’s K-9 unit recently received a generous donation from a local family.

The Gibson family recently donated $15,000 dollars to the K-9 unit. Public Information Officer, Sergeant Justin Sears, who is also a K-9 trainer, said the K-9 unit is a high priority for the department.

Not only do the K-9s help keep the city safe, but they’re also trained to be social, which helps with community outreach. Sergeant Sears said this donation helps the K-9 unit go above and beyond.

“The K-9 world is very expensive with the type of dogs that we get so when a charitable donation like this comes through, and we’re talking tens of thousands of dollars, it assists dramatically. It allows us to free up some other money or budget for future canine purchases. It allows us to explore other training opportunities, new training equipment, always keeps us on the cutting edge.”

THPD’s K-9 unit started in 1995 with one dog, and today, the unit has 6 dogs.