K9 Puppy Joins The Police Force And Sleeps Through The Entire Ceremony
Brody, a 12-week-old chocolate Labrador puppy, has officially joined the Bristol Police Department in Rhode Island.
His swearing-in ceremony on April 6, 2020, was anything but typical.
While important words were spoken and duties assigned, young Brody blissfully slept through the entire event, capturing hearts and going viral on social media.
The Swearing-In Ceremony
The ceremony, held to formally welcome the newest K-9 member, took an adorable turn as Brody dozed off on the desk.
Officer Keith Medeiros, Brody’s handler, stood in for him as speeches were made about the significant role Brody would play in the community.
Source: @bpdk9brody
Despite the serious tone of Police Chief Kevin Lynch’s speech, Brody remained in dreamland, waking only briefly for a quick photo op.
“He plays really hard and he sleeps really hard,” Officer Keith Medeiros, Brody’s handler, told The Dodo. “When he’s not playing, he’s sleeping, which is kind of tough because he sleeps a lot.”
The video of this cute moment was streamed live on Facebook and has been viewed almost one million times, delighting viewers worldwide.
Brody’s Role as a Comfort and Therapy Dog
Unlike traditional police dogs trained for tasks such as sniffing out narcotics or explosives, Brody’s role is to serve as a comfort and therapy dog.
This decision was influenced by School Resource Officer Medeiros, who proposed the idea of a therapy dog over a bomb-sniffing dog.
Source: @bpdk9brody
Brody’s primary duties will involve engaging with the community, visiting schools and nursing homes, and providing comfort to victims of crime.
Therapy dogs like Brody are vital in helping people cope with stress, anxiety, PTSD, and various emotional challenges, making them invaluable in community policing efforts.
The Significance of Brody’s Name
Brody’s name holds special meaning, reflecting his deep connection to the community he serves.
Source: @bpdk9brody
The ‘B’ stands for Bristol, while ‘Rody’ is a nod to Rhode Island, emphasizing his role as a bridge between the police department and the community.
Donated by Boonefield Labradors, a breeder known for their comfort and therapy dogs, Brody is perfectly suited for his role in public service.
Comfort During Challenging Times
Arriving amid the Covid-19 pandemic, Brody’s presence has been especially helpful.
Officer Medeiros noted that just walking into the department with Brody brings smiles and lightens the mood, providing much-needed relief during stressful times.
Source: @bpdk9brody
Brody’s ability to uplift spirits simply by being present is undeniable proof of the positive impact therapy dogs can have in law enforcement and community well-being.
Looking Ahead
As Brody grows into his role, the expectations are high, but so is the confidence in his abilities.
Police Chief Lynch has expressed high hopes for Brody’s future contributions.
Chief Lynch said, “This is a very big day for the Bristol Police Department and for our future. As soon as Brody wakes up, we will have a lot of successes ahead, and he is going to be a superstar for the town of Bristol. I can guarantee it.”
As he continues to train and settle into his duties, Brody will undoubtedly become an integral part of the Bristol community.
Source: @bpdk9brody
If you want to follow more of Brody’s adventures and see him grow into his role, you can follow his updates on his Instagram page.
Welcome to the force, K-9 Brody. The community looks forward to the comfort, joy, and support you will undoubtedly bring.
