Pittsburgh’s veteran NFL quarterback is pitching in to help Trumbull County’s four-legged firefighter continue her work.

The City of Girard is receiving one of fifteen grants that the Ben Roethlisberger Foundation’s “Giving Back Fund” has awarded to police and fire K-9 programs around the country.

“The City of Girard Fire Department extends a warm thank you to the Ben Roethlisberger Foundation for their generous grant award,” Brian Pearson, President of the Girard Professional Firefighters Association, said of the $2,500 award. “The funding will go a long way towards sustaining our K-9 Arson Unit which began last fall with the acquisition of an accelerant-detecting K-9.”

Girard Firefighter Thomas Cantola and his partner Maya graduated from the State Farm Arson Dog Training Program and were certified according to the standards of the Maine Criminal Justice Academy.

“In a short time, Maya has proven herself an asset to the City of Girard and the surrounding region. These funds will ensure that we can continue to meet our vital mission,” said Pearson.

Roethlisberger’s foundation will distribute more than $90,000 this year.

Grant funds will be utilized in a variety of canine-focused initiatives including the establishment of new K-9 units, replacement of retiring dogs, purchase of safety and training equipment, and training and certification of new and existing K-9s among other K-9 related expenses.

“To witness the bond between a dog and their handler has been very rewarding,” said Roethlisberger. “Their lifesaving & crimefighting gives ‘teamwork’ new meaning. They are truly partners!”

Maya and Cantola is the 3rd arson dog team for Trumbull County trained through the State Farm program.

K9 Maya is a 2-year-old female yellow Labrador retriever, who was raised by Southeastern Guide Dogs in Palmetto, FL.