Central Bucks Regional K9 Unit Awarded $75K State Grant

DOYLESTOWN BOROUGH, PA — The state has awarded the Central Bucks Regional Police Department a $75,000 grant in support of its K9 Unit, announced State Sen. Steve Santarsiero and State Rep. Tim Brennan.

Awarded through the Department of Community and Economic Development, the funding will be used to purchase equipment for the K9 unit, including a new vehicle outfitted for K9 safety

“The continually expanding services that Central Bucks Regional Police Department provides —such as the K9 Unit, Victim Services Unit, Detective Unit, de-escalation training and community outreach — shows us some of the benefits of regionalization and of investing in our law enforcement community,” Rep. Brennan said. “Under Chief Karl Knott’s leadership, it’s grown from fledgling status in 2014 into a highly effective police force that this community trusts and that also supports neighboring municipalities. I am very proud of the work they do.”

He continued, “This force is accredited by PA Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission and its officers perform under some of the most demanding standards in the Commonwealth. It is only right that we continue to give them the tools and support needed to protect and serve,” Brennan continued.

State Rep. Tim Brennan with K9 Baron. Looking on is State Sen. Steve Santarsiero and K9 Officer Andrew Hochmuth. (Contributed)

K9 Baron and his partner, Officer Andrew Hochmuth. (Contributed)

Throughout his career, Brennan has worked with local police forces, particularly when it comes to animals in law enforcement, and representing officers and police pension funds. For about a decade he served pro bono as attorney for the Friends of the Bethlehem Mounted Police, setting the organization up as a nonprofit at its inception and handling legal issues and contracts – experience that led to his interest in this project.

His support for the Central Bucks K9 Unit began when it was established in 2018, when Brennan was a member of Doylestown Borough Council. Brennan made a personal donation to the Central Bucks Regional Police Foundation to support the adoption of the unit’s first K9 officer, Baron. He also chipped in personally for a brick in the walkway in front of the department's headquarters when CBRPD moved to its new building on Broad Street in late 2021. The walkway proceeds fund CBRPD’s K9 Unit and Victim Services Unit.

“Our community is safest when our local police have the necessary resources to do their job,” said Sen. Santarsiero. “This investment to expand the K9 unit of the Central Bucks Regional Police Department will provide additional resources and capabilities to effectively respond to emergencies.”

Chief Karl Knott accepted the grant from the lawmakers, expressing "deep appreciation" to State Rep. Brennan and Senator Santarsiero "for their continued commitment to the safety and security of the communities we serve. The addition of a third K9 team will increase the capability and coverage of our existing K9 Unit and contribute to its ongoing success."

Thanks to a private donation, CBRPD recently added a third K9 officer to the unit. Granite, a Belgian Malinois partnered with Officer Kyle Maloney, will be fully deployed later in 2025. K9 Granite is a dual-purpose police service dog specializing in narcotics detection and patrol and protection, which includes tracking skills, building/article searches, evidence recovery and criminal apprehension.

“The Central Bucks Regional Police canine officers, Baron, Odie and now Granite, are an irreplaceable asset to our boroughs and the community at large,” said Noni West, mayor of the Borough of Doylestown. “Through their dedication to community, Sen. Santarsiero and Rep. Brennan have funded the K9 vehicle critical to the work of Officer Granite and his partner Officer Maloney. Thank you so much.”

The Central Bucks Regional Police Department protects and serves Doylestown Borough, Chalfont Borough, and New Britain Borough.