The Arlington Police Department has been awarded a grant for the agency's K9 Unit, which provides support for patrol officers and detectives in the search for violent offenders, armed suspects and narcotics. The Ben Roethlisberger Foundation/The Giving Back Fund made the funding announcement today. The Arlington Police Department is the eighth agency to receive a similar grant during the 2012-13 football season.

The Arlington Police Department plans to use the funds for equipment and other needs for the K9 unit, which currently consists of a supervisor, three handlers and their K9 partners. The K9 Unit was created in 1979.

Arlington Interim Police Chief Will Johnson said, "Last year, we lost a loyal K9 who had served the Arlington community for six years. Vic, a Dutch Shepherd, had to be put to sleep due to inoperable cancer.'

"Thanks to community support and donations, a new K9 was purchased earlier this year and continues to be trained. The needs of maintaining a very active K9 unit are substantial,' Chief Johnson said. "The Arlington Police Department is grateful for the support that the Ben Roethlisberger Foundation has shown in providing this grant to help further our K9 program.'

Roethlisberger, the quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers, will be in Arlington this weekend when his team comes to town to play the Dallas Cowboys at Cowboys Stadium.

In commenting on why the mission of the foundation is so important to him, Roethlisberger said, "We're very fortunate to be in the position that we are able to help these K-9 units. The work that is performed by the dogs and their handlers as well as the bond that is formed is incredible. We're just thrilled to do our small part.'

For more information about the Ben Roethlisberger Foundation or The Giving Back Fund, please contact Stephanie Sandler or visit www.bigben7.com or www.givingback.org.

During the 2012-13 NFL season, The Ben Roethlisberger Foundation is distributing grants to K-9 units of police and fire departments in the cities and surrounding communities of each regular season away game for the Steelers.