Meet Archie, Wayland Police Department's New Comfort Dog

WAYLAND, MA —The Wayland Police Department has a new staff member, and he has four legs and fur.

Archie, an 8-month-old labrador retriever, has been training to be a comfort dog since arriving in March from Boonefield Labs in Rindge, New Hampshire, according to the department. Now, he is ready to get to work.

In his role, Archie will attend community events, "provide general support" for students, faculty, and staff of Wayland Public Schools, "act as a calming influence should the department meet with a child victim or witness," and "provide a sense of comfort during a mental health intervention" to reduce stress, Wayland police explained.

He will be assigned to and live with School Resource Officer Shane Bowles and continue his training as he works with the department.

"We are excited about the newest addition to our department, Archie the Comfort Dog," Chief Ed Burman said at Monday's Select Board meeting, where Archie's arrival was announced. "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."