Canine officers showcase their skills in the K-9 Olympics in Enfield

ENFIELD, Conn. (WTNH) —  Thirty police pooches and their partners came out to Enfield Saturday morning to show off their skills in the annual K-9 Olympics.

Entering its 32nd year, the day-long event brings together K-9 units from local police departments, Connecticut State Police, the Department of Corrections and a couple of Massachusetts Sheriffs departments.

When describing the event, Kristen Brousseau from the CT Department of Corrections told News 8, “We have 29 teams competing this year, 30 if you include the Pelletier family who came out today to run their dog, Rosso. And what the event does is they kick off with a water pit … and then they go through an obstacle course.”

The obstacle course consists of simulated scenarios that K-9 Officers encounter when out in the field like walls, fences and tunnels. The competition closes with tactical and obedience drills judged by former K-9 handlers.

Visitors who weren’t watching the games were treated to static displays of current and historic police vehicles and weapons.

In 2023, the K-9 Olympics raised more than $11,000 for charity. All proceeds from this year’s event go to local charities, specifically the Hometown Foundation Special Olympics and Mark-9.

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