The Lancaster County District Attorney Heather Adams recently presented a check for more than $19,000 in drug forfeiture funds to the Ephrata Police Department to assist in the formation of a new K9 unit.

Ephrata Police Chief Christopher McKim said the $19,315.77 donation his department received will be used to convert a new police cruiser for K9 use. Ephrata’s police dog, which they hope to welcome to the department this fall, will be trained in both drug enforcement and suspect apprehension.

“Our office is proud to support the Ephrata Police Department with this donation, which we know will make a tremendous difference in the fight against drug trafficking,” Adams said. “The Lancaster County Drug Task Force looks forward to continuing to collaborate with the Ephrata police to stop the distribution of deadly narcotics.”

Police in Ephrata have long strived for a K9 of their own. Dogs, McKim noted, have better senses of smell and sharper instincts than even the most highly trained police officers and can be valuable resources in detecting narcotics, searching for evidence and capturing suspects.

“Having a K9 allows us to add a tool to our toolbox that can enhance our capabilities and this contribution from DA Adams makes a huge difference,” McKim said.

McKim said the department is currently in the process of purchasing the new police cruiser, which will be upfitted to K9 specifications by 10-8 Emergency Vehicle Services in New Holland. The department’s next steps are to procure the police dog from the Cumberland County-based Iron Rose K9 over the summer and begin training the canine and their handler in October.

By November, Ephrata’s K9 unit should be patrolling, McKim said.

Aside from the District Attorney’s Office, McKim also thanked the Friends of the Ephrata Police Foundation for their efforts in “diligently raising funds and getting the message out” of his department’s need for a police dog.

Funds from drug forfeitures may be used to enhance drug enforcement in Lancaster County. The forfeitures are typically of cash seized in search warrants connected to drug activity. Tangible goods such as cars used for transporting drugs or items such as jewelry that were purchased with the proceeds of illegal drug transactions can also be converted into forfeiture funds after being sold at auction.

All money and items in the forfeiture fund are transferred to the District Attorney’s Office after a court order in which defendants are given due process.

The law also allows forfeiture funds to be used to support community-based drug and crime fighting programs. In 2025 the Lancaster County District Attorney’s Office also donated $10,000 in drug forfeiture funds to ReStart Training Center Ministry, another $10,000 to the Donegal Substance Abuse Alliance and $40,000 to the Lancaster Safety Coalition.