Beacon is a two-and-a-half-year-old Yellow Labrador Retriever. He recently arrived in East Hartford courtesy of the Dogs for Better Lives nonprofit organization.
EAST HARTFORD, Conn. — The East Hartford Police Department has announced the arrival of Beacon, its new community engagement dog.
Beacon is a two-and-a-half-year-old Yellow Labrador Retriever, who came to East Hartford courtesy of the Dogs for Better Lives organization. The nonprofit is based out of Oregon and Massachusetts and provides dogs with extensive training.
The organization selects destinations where the dogs they train can make the greatest impact. According to a release from the police department, the nonprofit prepares dogs for a variety of roles, where they can work with individuals who have disabilities or serve the community in different fashions.
Beacon has already completed enough training to provide critical support for people in crisis and is ready to be an everyday companion to the staff at the East Hartford Police Department. He will visit town buildings and travel around the community.
East Hartford police say Beacon has quickly made an impression for being friendly and approachable. He is one of only a few police dogs that members of the public can pet and engage with.
Members of the police department added that Beacon’s gentle demeanor and comforting presence have positively affected everyone he has interacted with.
East Hartford Police Officer Marc Caruso, a 22-year veteran of the department, was chosen as Beacon’s handler. Caruso is currently a Community Engagement Officer and the Public Information Officer. He has spent years working in the community, making him the perfect handler for Beacon.
Police Chief Mack Hawkins said the department is excited to introduce Beacon to the East Hartford community as a whole.
“Beacon’s role goes beyond just providing support in crisis situations,” Hawkins said. “He’s here to develop positive relationships for both our staff and community members.”
The police department encourages residents to say hello when they see Beacon out in public. It is expected that Beacon will soon become an integral part of the local community.
Dalton Zbierski is a digital content producer and writer at FOX61 News. He can be reached at dzbierski@FOX61.com.
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