HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Police Department held a swearing-in ceremony for its second K-9 unit.

Officer Cory Schmidt and Nika were joined by members from Cause for Paws and other special guests. Hutchinson Police Chief Jeff Hooper says the addition of a K-9 unit has been successful. “Within the first month or so they’ve made over 20 arrests already . . . that we would have never been able to make,” Hooper said. “Cause for Paws stepped up and saw the good work we were doing in the community . . . and really wanted a second team.” Like her predecessor, Tank, Nika is trained in narcotics detection and tracking.

While the first K-9 unit has a protective vest for Tank, Nika is still without one. Hooper says they are working to acquire a vest with the help of a young Pennsylvania resident. “Her name is Peyton and she dedicates helping law enforcement agencies raise money to buy vests for K-9 officers. And so we . . . are helping her raise money for Nika’s vest,” Hooper said.

The police department is selling T-shirts to help raise funds. For more information, you can contact the Hutchinson Police Department.