Being a K-9 puppy is no easy task, especially for the youngest recruits like Brody, the newest member of the Bristol Police Department in Rhode Island. On Monday, April 6, 2020, Brody had a big day ahead of him—his official swearing-in ceremony, which would mark the start of his important new role. However, Brody, a 12-week-old chocolate Labrador, seemed to have other plans for his first official day.
Like many of us on a Monday, Brody was more interested in catching up on sleep than attending to his new duties. In fact, he slept through the entire swearing-in ceremony while his partner, Officer Keith Medeiros, stood in for him. Despite the significance of the event, Brody remained blissfully unaware, curled up on a desk, while Police Chief Kevin Lynch delivered a speech about the department’s newest recruit.
The ceremony was broadcast live on the Bristol Police Department’s official Facebook page, where it quickly went viral. Viewers were charmed by the sight of the sleepy pup, who only briefly woke up to pose for a photo before drifting back to sleep. Officer Medeiros shared with The Dodo that Brody’s sleepiness is a regular occurrence, noting, “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.”
Brody’s nap during his swearing-in didn’t seem to bother anyone, as he looked comfortable and adorable throughout. The video of the ceremony has since been viewed almost a million times, with viewers expressing their affection for the young K-9. One commenter even humorously advised Brody to “get your rest now, because your work is just beginning. Woof.”
Chief Lynch, speaking during the ceremony, acknowledged the significance of the day, not just for Brody but for the entire Bristol Police Department. He confidently stated, “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.”
Brody holds a special place within the department as the first Comfort and Therapy dog for the Bristol Police. This initiative aims to improve the quality of life for the town’s residents and build stronger connections between the community and the police. According to the official Bristol, Rhode Island website, Brody’s name has a meaningful origin: the “B” represents the town of Bristol, and “Rody” stands for Rhode Island. He was generously donated by Boonefield Labradors, a reputable breeder of comfort and therapy dogs in Rindge, New Hampshire.
Initially, the police department considered bringing in a bomb-sniffing dog, but they eventually decided to follow School Resource Officer Medeiros’ suggestion to introduce a therapy dog instead. Brody’s role involves meeting community members, visiting schools and nursing homes, and offering comfort to victims of crime. Therapy dogs like Brody play a vital role in helping people cope with stress, anxiety, PTSD, and other emotional challenges.
Amid the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, Brody has been a source of comfort for many. Officer Medeiros noted, “People are really stressed, especially in law enforcement. Just by walking in 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.”
Though he has a lot of responsibility ahead, Brody’s future is bright, and his presence is already making a positive impact. With a little more sleep and a lot of love, Brody is sure to thrive in his new role as a beloved member of the Bristol Police Department.
Welcome to the force, K-9 Brody. Here’s to many happy years filled with treats, belly rubs, and plenty of naps.
4o