Fundraiser held to support Albany PD programs

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- The Albany Police Department spent time in the community on Wednesday to raise money for two of its programs. The fundraiser took place at Glenpeters Jewelers on Southern Boulevard.

The money from the event will go to the therapy dog program and the women's self-defense course. People who attended were able to sign up for raffles as well as take part in a cash bar.

Therapy dogs Charlie and Maxie were also in attendance. Officers said these events highlight how important the therapy dog program is.

"We introduced them with our public relations. We do schools. We do stuff at nursing homes where we bring the dogs out, so it's very good," Albany Officer Joel Caldwell said. "It's a good distraction for the public. And it makes us more friendly and approachable, too."

Officials said the raffle items came from businesses around the Capital Region as well as from companies around the country.