Starting a career can be tiring, especially if you’re a K-9 puppy. On April 6, 2020, Brody, a 12-week-old chocolate Labrador, was officially sworn in as the newest member of the Bristol Police Department in Rhode Island. This ceremony marks a significant moment in a new recruit’s life, but for Brody, it happened to fall on a Monday.
As the ceremony commenced, Brody seemed more interested in catching up on his beauty sleep than the event. He snoozed peacefully on the desk while Officer Keith Medeiros stood in as his representative. The live broadcast on the Bristol Police Department’s Facebook page turned into a viral sensation, capturing Brody’s adorable nap.
Despite the puppy’s slumber, it didn’t dampen the occasion. Chief Kevin Lynch praised Brody while he blissfully slept. Officer Medeiros commented on Brody’s sleep habits, saying, “He plays really hard, and he sleeps really hard. When he’s not playing, he’s sleeping, which is kind of tough because he sleeps a lot.”
The video garnered nearly one million views on Facebook, with viewers applauding the little K-9 for his nap. Brody is the Bristol Police Department’s first Comfort and Therapy dog, part of a new initiative to enhance community relations. The name “Brody” symbolizes “Bristol” and “Rhode Island.”
Boonefield Labradors, a respected comfort and therapy dog breeder in New Hampshire, generously donated Brody to the town. Initially considering a bomb-sniffing dog, the police department accepted Officer Medeiros’s proposal for a therapy dog.
Brody’s duties include engaging with the community, visiting schools and nursing homes, and providing comfort to crime victims. Therapy dogs offer support for stress, anxiety, PTSD, and other emotional challenges, making them vital community assets.
Especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, Brody’s presence has brought solace to Bristol. Officer Medeiros noted, “People are really stressed, especially in law enforcement. Just by walking into the police department with Brody, people immediately smile. They immediately get into a better place. They want to pet him, want to hug him, and it’s just a really good thing.”
While Brody’s job carries great responsibility, there’s no doubt that he’ll excel, just as soon as he’s had his well-deserved rest. Welcome to the team, K-9 Brody! We wish you many successful years filled with treats, belly rubs, and sweet dreams.
References:
[1] Town of Bristol, Rhode Island, Official Website. (2020, August 26). K-9 Brody – Town of Bristol, Rhode Island | Official Website. https://www.bristolri.gov/departments/police/public-safety-services/brody/
