WAYLAND — Chief Ed Burman is pleased to announce that the Wayland Police Department has welcomed its new comfort dog, Archie.
Archie, an 8-month-old black labrador, arrived in March from Boonefield Labs in Rindge, N.H. Archie began his training upon arrival and will continue to undergo training as he joins the Department full-time. He will be assigned to School Resource Officer Shane Bowles, who will house him.
The comfort dog will provide general support for students, faculty, and staff of Wayland Public Schools. He will also be a calming influence should the Department meet with a child victim or witness, provide a sense of comfort during a mental health intervention, and reduce the stress felt by residents during a critical incident. Archie will also be present at a variety of community events.
The addition of Archie to Wayland Police was made official at the Select Board meeting on Monday, Oct. 7.
“We are excited about the newest addition to our Department, Archie the Comfort Dog,” said Chief Burman. “Having this comfort dog shows our commitment to community policing. His calming presence will not only help the students at our Wayland schools but the town’s residents as we conduct our police work.”
