A police department has welcomed its newest recruit – Bolo, a rescue dog – as its inaugural paw-trol officer.
Bolo had been visiting the Hopkinsville Police Department in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, as part of a community initiative they run with a local animal shelter called Christian County Animal Shelter.
Every Wednesday, a different shelter dog goes on patrol with officers from the force to help increase their confidence in interacting with the public and hopefully lead to them finding a forever home.
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But on this occasion, Bolo was so happy to be with his new officer buddies that he refused to go back to the shelter.
The pit bull mix pup had been at the shelter for several months.
Hopkinsville PD Police Chief Jason Newby recounted: “When it came time for him to go back that day, they got him in his cage, and he kind of dropped his head and whimpered, and everybody’s heart melted, and we decided to adopt him.”
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Royale Marfil, a public information officer at the Hopkinsville Police Department, added: “Once Bolo started being comfortable and playing with everybody, everybody was asking, ‘Can we adopt him? Can we keep him?’”
So, with Bolo hitting it off with the staff, the force swung into action and set about officially adopting him.
Bolo was eventually sworn into the Hopkinsville Police Department by Mayor James R. Knight Jr. in November.
The historic swearing-in ceremony was attended by officers, city officials, and local residents.
Bolo, with his tail wagging and a specially tailored police vest, was sworn in before signing his oath with an inky pawprint.
The four-legged officer will now actively participate in community outreach programs and events, fostering a stronger bond between the police department and the residents of Hopkinsville.