Montville — The Montville Police Department’s K-9 program on Friday got a boost in the form of a $1,140 check, thanks to Montville High School junior Nick Tibbetts.

In a news release, Detective Michael Pierce said that Tibbetts partnered with a group called Back the Blue and conducted multiple charity events to raise the funds. Tibbetts presented the check to K-9 Officer Addision Saffioti and Pierce during a Friday morning ceremony at the high school.

Montville police have a narcotics K-9, but are working to add a patrol K-9 that also would be trained in narcotics, Pierce said.

Pierce spoke highly of Tibbetts, noting that he has spearheaded other charitable campaigns and has maintained “an exceptional academic and athletic career.”

“We, as law enforcement officers, cannot expect to excel and succeed in our jobs without the help of our community members,” Pierce said. “Now, more than ever, citizens and police need to work alongside one another in order to achieve the goals of peace and prosperity.”