K-9 Blue Joins Middletown Township Police Force

MIDDLETOWN TOWNSHIP, PA —He's new in blue.

K-9 Blue has joined the Middletown Township Police Department courtesy of an $8,500 grant from the Middletown Community Foundation.

The foundation contributed to Blue's purchase and presented the $8,500 check at the recent Middletown Township Board of Supervisors meeting.

Blue is being partnered with Police Officer Larry Hardy to patrol the streets of Middletown.

Blue marks the fifth K-9 donation by the Middletown Community Foundation, reflecting its ongoing commitment to supporting community safety.

“I want to thank the Middletown Community Foundation for once again sponsoring our newest K-9,” Police Chief Joseph Bartorilla said. “The Middletown Community Foundation has been a fantastic partner with our K-9 unit for their support of the best K-9 unit in Bucks County.”

“It is the objective of the Middletown Community Foundation to invest in community initiatives that improve the quality of life for the residents of the township. The investment in public safety and the support of our police force helps fulfill this critical mission. We welcome K-9 Blue to the force, joining both his fellow officers and fellow K-9 officers who work hard to protect and serve our community each and every day," said Middletown Community Foundation President Jim Merrill, who serves as president and CEO of Inspire Federal Credit Union.

Nick Valla, Executive Director of the Middletown Community Foundation and Assistant Township Manager, emphasized the importance of the partnership.

“This is our fifth police K-9 the Middletown Community Foundation has been able to sponsor for the police department through our partnership.”

In celebration of this new addition and to further support the K-9 fund, the Middletown Community Foundation invites the community to a special fundraiser event on Saturday, Dec. 16 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Pet Supplies Plus at 1407 Lincoln Highway in Levittown. The event will feature an opportunity to have your pet’s picture taken with Santa Paws!

The Middletown Township Police Department said that Blue and Hardy are currently in training at the Philadelphia Police Department's K9 Unit.