JOHNSTON, R.I. (WPRI) — The Johnston Police Department has welcomed a new member to its force. On Monday, the department announced the addition of K-9 Honza, a one-year-old German Shepherd from the Czech Republic. The department said it hasn't had a K-9 unit in 12 years. ALSO READ: Rain causes Johnston road to flood once again K-9 Honza (Courtesy of Johnston police) Honza and his handler, Officer Eli McGuire-Krueger, recently completed an eight-week training program at the Rhode Island K-9 Academy, specializing in detecting narcotics, according to the department. McGuire-Krueger has served with Johnson police for four years and was selected for the role following a "competitive internal selection process." The department was able to bring on K-9 Honza through funding from settlements related to the opioid crisis. "This initiative reflects the department’s commitment to enhance its capabilities in addressing the opioid crisis by improving our capabilities to detect and remove dangerous drugs from our streets," the department said in a press release. ALSO READ: Woman dies after consuming fentanyl-laced cannabis in Warwick K-9 Honza is scheduled to undergo more patrol training in the fall. He will learn how to recover evidence, find missing persons and apprehend dangerous or hidden offenders. Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the new 12+ smart TV app. Follow us on social media:                     Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup SIGN UP NOW ...read more read less