Meet Anouke and Support Meriden Police Department's K-9 Unit

The Meriden Police Department is holding a fundraiser this month to raise money for its K-9 Unit, which currently features two crime fighting dogs — Anouke and Kilo.

Today (Saturday) at 11 a.m., the department's K-9 Unit which includes Anouke and his handler, Officer David Buck, will visit the Westfield Meriden Shopping Center where visitors can learn about the special unit, meet the dogs and take photos.

Meriden Police have partnered with the National Association of Chiefs of Police, which will match $5,000 in donations made to the K-9 Unit. Buck said the money raised will be used to purchase and train a third dog in narcotics detection for the city's Crime Suppression Unit.

Read about Officer Buck and Anouke here

Since the department's K-9 Unit was reinstated in 2011, Buck says Anouke and Kilo have helped police solve narcotics crimes, tracked suspects and aided in missing person cases.

"It's a very unique role. They do work but they also do a lot for the community. We're lucky that way," said Buck, who's created a Facebook page dedicated to the K-9 Unit that he updates on a regular basis with photos and stories. 

If you're unable to attend today's event, donations can be made via PayPal

Checks can be made out to "NACOP" and sent to the Meriden Police Department K-9 Unit, 50 W Main Street, Meriden CT 06451. Any questions can be sent to dbuck@meridenct.gov

The fundraising effort will go until March 31st.