Ben Roethlisberger threw a pass to the Brentwood Police Department, giving them $8,000 for a new K-9 officer.

The Ben Roethlisberger Foundation gave nearly $100,000 to 12 Allegheny County police departments to purchase new dogs, equipment and training for their K-9 units.

"This grant is bringing us closer to starting the process of bringing over the new K-9 from Germany," Brentwood Borough Manager George Zboyovsky said. "The new dog is actually from the same lineage of Ranger," the borough's last police dog.

"The dog has a public relations aspect and a practical use," Mulholland said.

Mulholland said a dog makes it easier for children to approach the police, but also works as a crime and drug deterrent.

Mulholland, who was Ranger's handler, is eager to get a dog back on the force.

"It's just a matter of getting the money in," Mulholland said.

The borough has received about $20,000 in grants for a new police dog. Zboyovsky said the borough received $12,000 through Sen. Wayne Fontana's office.

The foundation is run by Roethlisberger and his father, Ken. The duo personally reviews each grant application.

"We received a lot of applications, and it was a hard process to decide who we want to give the grants to," Roethlisberger said at a press conference. "We always try to find applicants who are needing and well deserving of it."

The foundation was established to provide support for police and fire departments.

"I have always loved dogs and always had them as pets while I was growing up," Roethlisberger, 26, said. "The police dog in my hometown of Findlay (Ohio) got shot and killed two years ago."

The incident inspired Roethlisberger and his dad to buy the department a new dog. Roethlisberger said the foundation developed from that initial effort.

The foundation's effort expanded to Pittsburgh and soon included other cities.

"We brought it to Pittsburgh but soon asked ourselves, 'Why not buy a police dog for every away city that I play in?'" Roethlisberger said. "I just feel fortunate that I'm able to give back to the city and police departments."

This is the first year the foundation has given grants to police departments, and Roethlisberger plans to keep it going as long as he can.

"I hope this isn't just a one-year thing," Roethlisberger said. "As long as we're able to do it, we'd like to continue on." The Pittsburgh City Police Department received a grant from the foundation, which Mayor Luke Ravenstahl called a great contribution to crime control in the city.

"Being able to have an active police force with K-9s is very important. For Ben to step up like he has is critically important.

"He has continued a legacy of the Steelers, and it is really a tribute to him to be able to do such great work at a young age."

County Chief Executive Dan Onorato said having K-9 units in the municipalities not only benefits the individual communities, but strengthens the entire county.

"The fact we have a trove of municipalities, including the city, with K-9s really gives us a lot of resources," Onorato said.

"We have the ability to attack any problems as they move, regardless of where they may be.

"This is more than just getting dogs in departments up and down the rivers. It's a comprehensive approach to getting K-9 units back on the street, regardless of where the municipality is located."