Two K-9 officers with the Elkhart Police Department recently retired, but their successors won’t cost the department a penny.

“Cai” retired in July after six years on the force. “Maverick” retired in August after four years of service. They both will be retired to their police officer handlers, according to a press release obtained by our reporting partners at The Elkhart Truth.

Both dogs are credited for helping catch criminals, seize narcotics, and aid in many demonstrations, Elkhart police spokesman Sgt. Chris Snyder told the Elkhart Truth.

However, Elkhart police had not anticipated replacing both K-9s in such a short time frame, and Snyder points out that training a police dog is a long and expensive process.

Luckily for them, someone in the community stepped forward.

Gaska Tape owner Jack B. Smith presented a donation on Aug. 12 to the Elkhart Police Department’s Canine Unit to cover the costs of replacing the dogs. He received a plaque honoring him for his support from the department.