Quakertown now has two new four-legged officers ready to protect and serve.

        The new recruits for Quakertown Police Department's K-9 unit, Jax and Fury, were introduced to borough officials during the April 6 council meeting. Their arrival comes after the retirement of K-9 Jynx and the sudden passing of K-9 Kito.

        In an effort to show their appreciation, officials presented certificates of appreciation to those people who helped make the new recruits' arrival possible.

        "We're presenting two new K-9s tonight and also taking the time to recognize the generosity of several business people whether it was money donations, veterinarian services, pet food, and the Quakertown school teachers association. Thank you for your help because without you we couldn't have these two dogs," said council President Jim Roberts.

        Police officer and K-9 handler, Bryan Lockwood, introduced his 18-month-old male, Czech German shepherd, Jax, to the audience and council members. Jax's specific training is with explosives and patrol, Lockwood said. Officer Paul Houseknecht presented his 18-month-old male, Czech and Belgian Malinois mixed shepherd, Fury, who is specially trained in drug sniffing and patrol.

        Borough Manager Scott McElree explained in an interview following the meeting that both dogs have Czech roots and were brought to the Tarheel Canine Training facility in Sanford, North Carolina. Lockwood and Houseknecht made the trip to the facility in December 2015 and were matched with their K-9 partners. In March 2016, the two officers spent the next 31 days in Sanford, North Carolina for training with Jax and Fury. Upon successful completion of the training program, the four returned to Quakertown.

        Thanks to the efforts and donations made by many, the borough said they were was able to obtain both dogs at the same time.

        Andy Young, a resident of Pottstown, donated a large crate to Fury for Houseknect's home. Tractor Supply Company of Quakertown provided essentials such as food and other supplies to the officers as well as Quakertown Veterinary Clinic donating all vet services for the dogs. Quakertown Community School District's teacher's union donated twice to the K-9 unit, first as a sizable cash donation in the past to help acquire K-9 Kito and again with a second cash donation.

        Representatives for each business were presented with a certificate and a round of applause from council members.

        According to McElree, the amount of money needed for one dog is approximately $12,000 which includes travel expenses and training.

"Jax was funded through Homeland Security so the only expense needed for him was travel costs," he explained.

        Over the years, McElree added, donations have come in which total over $10,000. Most recently, the Bucks County District Attorney's office provided a monetary donation of $2,500, he said.

        In other business, officials voted unanimously to accept a bid from Dave's Services, LLC of Quakertown to replace 17 of the 34 trees previously removed from the downtown area of the borough.

        The bid came in at $8,245 and includes the planting of 17 Acccolade flowering cherry trees, root barrier system, and grading until the sidewalk replacement project is complete. The trees will be planted in the next 1-2 weeks and will be about 2 inches in diameter with a height of 8-10 feet, said borough code enforcement officer Doug Wilhelm.

        The trees will be planted in the downtown area of the borough, specifically on Broad Street from about 4th to Front streets and along Branch Street across from the triangle parking lot.