NORWICH – After receiving a donation from a private citizen and from Procter & Gamble Pharmaceuticals, the Norwich City Police Department will be welcoming a drug detection K-9 unit into its ranks later this year.

Police Chief Joseph Angelino announced last week that Officer Brandon Clarke and his new K-9 partner, “Weeks,” would be heading to Pennsylvania for six weeks of drug detection training on Sept. 8.

Earlier this summer, P&G presented a check to Norwich City Mayor Joseph P. Maiurano and the chief for $20,000 for the cost of unit’s training and equipment. Former Norwich resident Judy Weeks purchased the purebred German Shepherd for the department, estimated to cost over $5,000.

Angelino said the PD had applied for grants in the past to obtain funds for a K-9 unit, but failed. He credited the mayor for contacting P&G and helping to orchestrate their donation.

P&G is in the process relocating its operation out of the area and in its gratitude for the Norwich community, officials began looking around for possible contributions earlier this year.

Maiurano, who was aware of the department’s rejected application and desire for a K-9, contacted P&G to see if they were willing to help.