MEET LEXI, WAREHAM PD’S NEW COMFORT PUP!

  HN NOTE: Back on February 19, 2024, the Wareham Police Department posted the above adorable photo on their Facebook page, with the caption, “Stay tuned for an exciting announcement from YOUR Wareham Police Department.” The above WPD Facebook post received an outpouring of interest and engagement, including 262 “thumbs up,” 213 “loves,” 8 “cares,” and 4 “wows!” Needless to say, it was a pretty big deal. The post was shared across Facebook, and included comments like, “Congrats WPD!” – “It’s about time! Best of luck!” – “Awe, so cute!” – “Oh, my goodness! Beautiful!” – “So adorable!” – “Cutie pie!” – “I hope he’s hired lol” – “So sweet!” and “Best looking police officer in Wareham.” On another Facebook page, a man took one look at Lexi’s photo and announced he wished he still worked at the Wareham PD!  It was clearly love at first sight. Even though the WPD Facebook post was vague, leaving everyone in suspense, one thing was absolutely for certain, people from all over were immediately falling in love with a little Labrador Retriever… … and at HN, we call that “PUPPY POWER!” And finally, this morning, the Wareham Police Department let the cat — ‘er I mean “puppy” out of the bag! when they sent out the following media statement with additional photos (without a “cuteness alert,” I might add, but I’ll let it slide with a verbal warning this time ):     WAREHAM – Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz and Wareham Police Chief Walter Correia, Jr. are proud to introduce Lexi, a specially trained comfort dog to support students and residents. Lexi is the most recent addition to the Plymouth County Comfort Dog Program. The Town of Wareham recently acquired Lexi, a Labrador Retriever, from Professional Canine Services in Middleboro, where she will also perform her comfort dog training. Lexi, 3-months old, was acquired by Wareham Police with assistance from a $5,000 grant from the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office. Lexi and her handler, Wareham Police Juvenile Detective Karl Baptiste, will be used to reduce stress and promote wellness for students in Wareham Public Schools, and residents at town events. Lexi will also be on hand to offer comfort to our police officers. “The Plymouth County Comfort Dog program created a network of comfort dogs and handlers who assist the community through daily interactions with students and coordinated response to crisis situations,” DA Cruz said. “In ways big and small, the dogs are an important part of trauma-informed response within the county, helping create positive relationships between children and law enforcement, while spreading joy wherever they go. Lexi is bound to be a great addition to the town of Wareham.” Wareham Police Chief Correia said, Lexi will play a pivotal role in creating a calming presence for students and staff. She will be a valuable resource in supporting the mental and emotional well-being of students, our officers and the Wareham Community. The DA’s Office is partnered with Bridgewater State University to conduct an academic study of the Plymouth County Comfort Dog program, which has grown to include 15 dogs county-wide. The office applied for and received a modification to its COSSUP federal grant for the Drug Endangered Children Initiative to fund a study of the comfort dog program’s effectiveness, determine best practices, and support care and training of the dogs. P.S.  –  In HN’s humble opinion – and for way too many health and money saving reasons to list here – the world would be a much better place for everyone if every police and fire department had at least one comfort pup on each and every shift.  These pups should also be given a badge number, rank and their very own locker… along with a snack dispenser in the break room (obviously)…   Look, when I dream, I dream big!  Attention all Cape Cod chiefs: “Comfort pups are a slam-dunk-no-brainer!  So, what are we waiting for?  SMARTEN UP AND GET ON IT!”     P.P.S. – Today’s Hytown Vignette is brought to you by Bobby Hebb…  [CLICK IT/CRANK IT! HEADPHONES ABSOLUTELY OBLIGATORY!]