The Barrington Police Department swore in its newest member — a cuddly English Labrador retriever named Levi — at a special ceremony on Wednesday afternoon, Aug. 21. 

Shortly after the swearing-in ceremony, there was a meet-and-greet, where residents had an opportunity to say hello to (and maybe pet) the department’s new comfort dog.

Levi’s duties for the police department will include plenty of community engagement, including visits to the senior center and playgrounds. Police officials are also hoping to have Levi work in the Barrington Public Schools. Department officials also expect Levi to respond to incidents outside of the community, on occasion. 

Levi is partnered with Officer Michael Gregorzek, a veteran member of the police department. In a previous interview, Officer Gregorzek said he was very excited about the opportunity to work with Levi.

“We’ll be together 24-7,” he said. 

Barrington Police Chief Michael Correia was also very excited about Levi’s arrival. 

“I think the town is going to fall in love with this dog. And they will get to see the dog grow up… He’ll melt your heart for sure,” Chief Correia said. 

During the event at Kids Kove Playground on Wednesday, Aug. 21, Levi received his own badge and posed for plenty of photos. 

Barrington Town Manager Phil Hervey said he fully support’s Chief Correia’s decision to bring a comfort dog to the local police department.

“I think it’s fantastic… I think it’s a perfect fit for Barrington,” Hervey said. “The importance of this to the community was so clear when we had recent tragedies, how the comfort dog was received at the school with the kids. You can just see it makes a huge difference. When we talked to other towns, like Bristol, how that has helped reduce anxiety for kids that might have had a tough day at school, even then, it can help get them into the building and have a good day. I think it’s going to be a great public benefit for people of all ages, not just kids.”

Hervey said he has already had a chance to meet Levi.

“Oh yeah, he came in when I was about to get on a Zoom call. He was well-received by the people on the Zoom call,” Hervey said.