ELMIRA, N.Y. (WETM)--- The Elmira Police Department is bringing back its K-9 program for the first time in over ten years after the Elmira City Council approved funding.

The department will receive $122,095 in funding from the county. The funds will go towards the K-9 and other handler fees.

"The dog ranges between fifteen and sixteen thousand dollars, which seems to be the going rate, and then a new patroling vehicle. You're looking at forty-five to fifteen thousand dollars for that. There are those fees and then the handler training fee, and then all of the little things that go with it," said Kristen Thorne, Elmira Police Department Chief.

Chief Thorne hopes that everything will be up and running by the end of 2025.

"I'm in the process of trying to get the bids and trying to find th

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