How Steelers quarterback is helping pay for Lombard's police dog

Lombard's police department is getting a helping paw from Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger to replace its police dog, which is approaching retirement.

The village is receiving an $11,500 season grant from the Ben Roethlisberger Foundation at The Giving Back Fund.

The grant will fully fund the new police dog, including initial training and future specific training needs.

A retirement date for the village's current dog, Chico, has not yet been determined and he will continue to serve Lombard until a new dog is trained.

"This grant will allow the Village of Lombard to continue our commitment to our K-9 program, which has been in place for more than 25 years," police Chief Roy Newton said. "Our new K-9 officer will benefit the Lombard community for years to come.

"We certainly appreciate the Ben Roethlisberger Foundation's ongoing dedication to local law enforcement throughout the country."

The Giving Back Fund is a national public charity that creates and professionally manages charitable foundations and other philanthropic programs for athletes, entertainers, business entrepreneurs and corporations.

Now celebrating its 20th year, GBF is the philanthropy consulting partner of the NFLPA and the NFL Trust (retired players).

Since its founding in 1997, GBF has created a niche in expanding and diversifying philanthropy. Its structure allows donors to direct more charitable dollars to causes clients care about and less to administrative overhead.