The Bristol Police Department has announced the launching of a very special coloring book for kids that features one of Bristol’s most well known friendly faces — Brody, K9 therapy/comfort dog.

In April of 2020 Brody was sworn into duty with the Bristol Police Department and became an instant star, quickly gaining notoriety and near-celebrity status on several social media platforms, with national and international news media, and most importantly the Bristol community.

Town Administrator Steve Contente stated, “Brody has become the unofficial ambassador for the Town of Bristol. He is known in the community for his calm and friendly nature and the service Brody provides to our residents exemplifies the tradition of community policing delivered by the men and women of the Bristol Police Department.”

The K9 therapy/comfort program, developed by Chief Kevin Lynch and School Resource Officer Keith Medeiros, has gained the attention of several police departments in Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts. Officer Medeiros has assisted other area police departments in the development and implantation of a K9 therapy/comfort program in their communities.

The notoriety and success of K9 Brody have led to Brody being memorialized in his own Bristol specific coloring book recently released by the Bristol Police Department.

Officer Medeiros stated, “This coloring book will greatly help introduce Brody to elementary school-age children and reinforce the principles of leadership, teamwork, bullying awareness, and most importantly open the door for young victims to feel comfortable speaking with a counselor or a trusting adult expressing what has happened. The most rewarding part of my job is seeing that kid who is afraid to talk get down on the floor and give Brody a big hug.”

K-9 Brody and Officer Medeiros will soon be scheduling visits at all the elementary schools and sharing the new coloring book.

Chief Lynch stated, “The success of Brody would not have been achievable if not for the abounding support of Town Administrator Contente, the Bristol Town Council, the generous and continued contributions made by the Bristol Elks Lodge #1860, and the unwavering dedication and hard work of Officer Medeiros. This program has surpassed all expectations and has become a hallmark of the Bristol Police Department and I couldn’t more pleased to our continued accomplishments.”