The canine program started in 2002, in response to the terrorist attacks.



So hearing that the airport is getting rid of this regional asset has many concerned, “I’m very disturbed, I think they're cutting it for the wrong reason, they're cutting it for cost savings reasons which is very inappropriate in this day in age, particularly today with it being 17 years since September 11th,” said Guy Glendenning of Erie.



But at a cost of about $10,000 a year, Martin says the K9 is not required so they're getting rid of it, “There's no TSA or Department of Homeland Security regulatory requirements for the dog, we don't need the dog, if there was an issue of safety do you think the Department of Homeland Security would not make it a requirement?” Martin asked.