He may not carry a badge or wear a uniform (unless you count his adorable K-9 vest), but Bo is ready to serve and protect — with snuggles, smiles, and a whole lot of tail wags.
This Wednesday, May 14, Bo, a lovable chocolate Labrador Retriever, will be officially sworn in as the Newport Police Department’s first-ever Therapy/Comfort K-9. The paw-some ceremony will take place at 6:00 p.m. inside Newport City Hall chambers, and yes, the public is invited to come cheer him on.
Bo joins the force as part of the department’s Community Policing Unit, working side by side with Community Police Officer Nick St. Lawrence. Their mission? To bring a little more comfort, compassion, and connection to Newport’s neighborhoods — one wag at a time.
“This is an exciting step for our department and our city,” said the department in a statement. “Bo truly embodies our commitment to community-centered policing. His wagging tail is more than just cute — it’s a symbol of healing, connection and comfort.”
Bo was donated by Dame Dogs Labradors of Pascoag, and he’s already stealing hearts across the city. But it’s not all belly rubs and treat breaks — Bo is hard at work training for his therapy dog certification with local dog whisperer Jess Gaes of Petrichor K9, who’s generously donating her time and expertise.
Once certified, Bo will attend school visits, help community members during stressful situations, and become a regular face at outreach events. Down the line, he may even get trained in explosives detection to assist during major public events — talk about multitasking!
So if you’re in the area this Wednesday, don’t miss your chance to witness a little bit of Newport history — and maybe sneak in a pet or two. Bo might not say the oath out loud, but his eyes (and tail) will say it all.
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