As part of Calvin Coolidge School's "Community Outreach Program," members of the Fifth Grade class recently coordinated a fundraiser for the Hillside Police Department K-9 unit. According to Principal Sharon Festante, the kids raised $187.56 to support the K-9 Unit, which was turned over to the Police Department at the end of the school year.

The funds will be used to purchase food for "Comet" and "Champion," two specially-trained German Shepherds that will be used to search for drugs, firearms and other hazardous materials in the township. Both dogs and their handlers, Police Officers Ronald Bartell and Michael Flowers, have been patrolling Hillside since they completed their training in May. The dogs and all equipment for the K-9 Unit were purchased with Federal Forfeiture Funds at no cost to the township. The Police Department welcomes donations to assist with food and veterinary care for the dogs.

Pictured above, from left to right, Calvin Coolidge School students Tommy Goncalves, Jaycee Wilson, Anaiyah James, Julietta Barros, Gloree Belchie, Inzamam Hakk, Zaria Rawls. Police Officer Michael Flowers and his partner, "Champion" (center) visited the school in April.

ROBERT B. QUINLAN, Chief of Police