Bristol Police Create 'K9 Brody' Coloring Book

BRISTOL, RI — The Bristol Police Department created a coloring book for kids, based on everyone's favorite officer: K9 Brody.

The chocolate Labrador has captured the public's heart since he first came to the department in April 2020. Brody garnered national and international attention when the department posted a video of his swearing-in ceremony, where the then-tiny puppy dozed off on Chief Kevin Lynch's desk.

"Brody has become the unofficial ambassador for the town of Bristol," Town Administrator Steve Contente said. "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.”

Bristol-Warren School Resource Officer Keith Medeiros worked with Lynch to develop a K9 therapy and comfort program with Brody, visiting schools throughout the district. Medeiros has since worked with neighboring communities to build similar programs.

Brody's popularity led to the department creating a coloring book based around the beloved pup. He and Medeiros will visit all elementary schools in the area to share the book with students.

"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," Medeiros said. "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."

Chief Lynch said the department's K9 program "surpassed all expectations and has become a hallmark of the Bristol Police Department, and I couldn’t more pleased to our continued accomplishments."