A German shepherd named Kiya is the first police dog in the central Illinois city of Delavan.

The 2 1/2-year-old female dog is partnered with Delavan Police Department Assistant Chief Jerry Littlefield. The city council approved the K-9 program for its police department last week.

The nearby Armington Police Department sponsored the dog's training. Private organizations and other police departments are covering other costs, like continued training and food. Littlefield already is a trained dog handler. Among the upside of having Kiya is that she can help the department locate lost children.

Delavan Mayor Elizabeth Skinner says the program also shows the city is committed to combating drug use.