Can you imagine sleeping through your first opportunity for fifteen minutes of fame? Well, that’s just what this 12-week-old pooch did. In fact, he missed a very important ceremony that was held in his honor, because no matter how hard he tried, he had trouble keeping his eyes open.
Meet Brody
Brody has the unique honor of being the first member of the Bristol Rhode Island Police Department’s K-9 Division. His name is a mix of “B” for Bristol and “Rody” for Rhode Island. As adorable as one can believe, though too young to care, this Labrador puppy was recently employed to be the “first” canine added to the Bristol Police Department.
Guard Dog or Not So Much?
Before you start thinking that Brody was hired to be a ferociously protective member of the Police Department, you may want to check out the video. Actually, Brody was not “hired” for the bomb squad or drug-detecting unit. Brody was hired to be cute and cuddly, as a comfort dog. Obviously, he does a remarkable job, except he tends to be a bit sleepy.
Vision and Implementation
When Police Chief Kevin Lynch took on his new role as police chief, he said that one of his primary goals was to make a difference in the community by implementing a K-9 division. He planned on bringing in a working dog for drugs or bombs; however, with the recommendation from school resource officer Keith Medeiros, the decision was made to introduce a police Comfort and Therapy K-9 Program. This program would partner with the school department and have a uniting and positive influence on the Bristol community. What a great idea!
Police Officer Keith Medeiros, who is Brody’s human companion, brought him into the department in mid-March. Brody was a gift from Boonefield Labradors, which is a breeder located in Rindge, New Hampshire. This breeder has an excellent reputation for breeding Comfort and Therapy dogs, so Brody is more than a sleepy puppy. As a full-bred Chocolate English Labrador Retriever, Brody is royalty in the doggy community. Doesn’t he look princely?
Social Distancing Even for Puppies
At his young age, Brody will be trained all year to bring comfort and companionship to the community. Already, Officer Medeiros is trying to help Brody get comfortable with his new duties as a Comfort and Therapy dog, while trying to practice social distancing. Since Brody has such a magnetic personality, it is hard to keep others 6 feet away. Everyone wants to immediately hug or pet Brody.
Pomp and Circumstance
On Monday, April 6, 2020, Brody was given the high honor of being the first canine to be sworn into the Bristol Police Department K-9 Division. Even though he was surrounded by a crowd, Brody was lulled into deep relaxation mode, as he slept through his whole swearing-in ceremony.
While Police Chief Kevin Lynch administered the oath, Officer Medeiros acted as Brody’s surrogate. Medeiros took the Oath of Office for and in behalf of Brody, and the puppy slept right through it all on the Chief’s desk.
As you see, Brody is very proud of this very high honor, though it’s hard to tell if his eyes are opened or closed. We must commend Officer Medeiros for doing such a good job of taking Brody’s place at the ceremony.
Heavy-Duty Responsibilities
Brody’s full-time job will be to help lessen anxiety and stress for citizens of the community, including witnesses and investigators. As he works with Officer Medeiros, Brody will also be involved in school activities in the Bristol Warren Regional School District. His various responsibilities include visiting many community organizations, such as the Bristol Senior Center, Roger Williams University, the Rhode Island Veterans Home, and Rogers Free Library.
Brody’s primary responsibility will be for the school district, where he will help to bridge the gap between students and officers. His first assignment will be to encourage a positive atmosphere at school, where he will get plenty of attention once the students return.
Right now, Brody is using the school as a training ground. As most youngsters do, he loves running down the halls with a friend when the principal isn’t looking.
A Total Gentleman
Brody’s training is highly specialized for a canine of his caliber and will encourage impeccable manners, so he will know how to behave with complete strangers. As he learns how to immediately respond to Officer Medeiros commands, he will become a valuable asset to the police department and community.
Here, Officer Medeiros is helping Brody with his first reading lesson.
Special Thanks
The Bristol Police Department is thrilled to have this new program for the community, especially with Brody as the celebrity. The department is grateful for the many generous benefactors involved, without whom this program would have been much more difficult to implement. You can see a list of these kind-hearted people and organizations at Bristol RI’s official government site at Bristolri.us.
By the looks of it, Brody has a natural born talent for lifting spirits and bringing comfort to the Bristol community. Just one look at those eyes will melt any heart!
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Sources:
bristolri.us
Instagram – BPD K9 Brody
